kazza94x said:
Hi fellow peps,
I have noticed an increase in feeling flat, tired, exhausted, extreeme fatigue, very dry skin and just feeling a bit empty.
I am seeing a therapist and doctor etc but this has started amping up since reta, i was on sema before without any issues.
I wonder if anyone has any similar experiences with this?
When did it start?
How bad is it?
How do you cope ?
Only if comfortable with answering. No pressure.
Click to expand...
Sorry, i have a lot to say about this so it will be really long.
I struggle with anhedonia in general and have for years. But it has gotten worse over the last year and esp since starting tirz at the beginning of this year.
After a lifetime of trying to deal with this here are my suggestions:
1-get your hormones tested. If you are female and are still menstruating, ask for a full hormone panel. Peri-menopause can start in your 30s and even earlier if you have any hormone disruption, which obesity does. If you are female and no longer menstruating, ask about hormones replacement including testosterone supplementation. If you are male, obesity also disrupts hormones for you, and testosterone replacement can be life-changing if needed.
2-The number one lifestyle change you can make to improve anhedonia is savoring. Actively look for things that feel good, might feel good, or should feel good. Then deliberately engage in those behaviors and really, consciously, savor/wallow/engage in the behavior. Tell yourself "this is fun, I'm having a good time, I'm enjoying this". I know it sounds dumb, but you can convince your brain to increase the release of positive chemicals by changing the thoughts you have about the situation.
3. Look at what causes release of the feel good chemicals and do each of them every day: dopamine is the reward chemical, so engage in reward seeking behavior-this means setting goals and meeting them, giving yourself rewards for "good behavior", and listening to music (the anticipation networks of our brains find music HIGHLY rewarding). Oxytocin is the bonding chemical-hug someone, cuddle, have sex, kiss for a long time, pet your dog. Serotonin is the contentment chemical-it is released when you are ok. You are good. Nothing bad is happening. So look for ways to find joy in the small things, be present and let your brain rest (PUT DOWN THE PHONE), and spend some time just noticing that you are good right now. Endorphins are the energy and pain relief chemicals- workout really hard, do things that excite you, have adventures. Finally, GABA is the rest and relax chemical. Meditate, breathe, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga.
4.
NOTE: A LOT of people feel anhedonia when the anxiety goes away. If you are regularly anxious, your brain is primed to look for threat and the experience of less anxiety feels like flatness, like something is wrong. Learning to be ok with the lack of threat is the only way to make the flatness feel better.
5. Supplements that I have found helpful- 5htp (this has been a literal lifesaver for me in the past when the anhedonia was accompanied by pretty severe depression). Tyrosine (not the best for me but takes the edge off and increases mood slightly). DLPhenylalanine-this makes the biggest impact on my overall mood and ability to engage in positive behaviors.
the adhedonia has come to be a bit of relief as i have bad ADHD and Reta has i 100% believe brought some peace to my mind, concentration is definitely up. Feeling positive feels new. 
