Anhedonia… is this permanent?

For some context: I have Depression, ADHD, and anxiety 

So ive been dealing with anhedonia for almost 3 years…. Or at least I think I am. It first started when I was listening to EDM music and it gave me such a euphoric feeling. So euphoric that my body got overwhelmed and flipped off my dopamine switch. I remember waking up the next morning feeling so flat. Music sounded like noise and I wasn’t feeling the emotional pull like I once did. And not only that, but I noticed daydreaming became impossible for me, and my emotions towards things like love, hobbies, and just creativity in general become nonexistent. I think for the first few days nothing was making me laugh. 

Ironic enough, I’ve never felt more anxious in my life. It’s like a part of me was abruptly taken away from me and put in a box with a lock that I’m still trying to find the key for. I feel like I’ve tried everything I could to help “bring my feelings” back. Started taking Wellbutrin, then decided to try therapy again, and even tried ketamine.  After trying all that as well as several other medications, nothing has worked. Other then my therapist telling me that this may be a result of a dis regulated nervous system, I haven’t gotten much help or luck with professionals. I wanna believe that this won’t be a permanent feeling but I’m scared that it’ll be a part of my life

Now what I find so intriguing about this is whenever I dream, the emotions that I’ve been lacking in my awake state come back. So I know it’s not all lost, but it comes baring the question of why I can only feel these feelings in my subconscious. 

I feel like my personality masks what I’m really feeling inside, because I’m normally a ball of sunshine and sociable. Never would never turn down a good time, it’s just that I can’t enjoy them the way I used to. I’ve gone through hell n back the years prior to this anhedonia development, and yet the emotions stayed. So I can only wonder why my body would do this to me. 

Has anyone gone through this and healed? Would love to know and hear your thoughts. 

Posted Mar 8, 2026, 1:15 PM UTC

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