Complete loss of emotions and motivation after psychotic episode.

Almost 5 years ago I had a complete psychotic break that lasted about 3 months. During that time I became extremely paranoid, and was convinced I was being gang-stalked, experiencing electronic harassment, followed everywhere, and monitored 24/7 by the abusers among other things. At a point I became convinced I was being set up by everyone around me to be murdered. Naturally the intense fear and constant adrenaline meant I was hardly sleeping or eating during that time as I was always on guard and never sure what would happen next. I had broken all ties with everyone (could not trust them) and was completely isolated at this point. Desperately, I decided my only option was escape, and I moved across the country. (I had no idea I was ill and truly feared for my life)

After resettling in a new location, over the course of months my fear started to subside. Because I didn't know the nature of what i experienced I still believed I had 'escaped' the source of my torment. I did not take any medication but continued to gradually get better. It was not until a few years later after doing a lot of reading about people having similar experiences that I came to the conclusion that what I had experienced was psychosis. I'm not exactly sure what triggered it but I remember that there was a lot of stress in my life preceding the episode.

I have been relatively ok since that time ( I do have some lingering anxiety which I see a psychologist for once a week) and I am not on any medication (nor do I wish to be).

One thing that I have been struggling with however, is that since the psychotic episode I have not been able to feel any emotions. I do not feel depressed or sad but I also do not experience any happy emotions either. I don't know exactly how to describe it other than a constant flat baseline feeling. Before the psychotic episode I had a full range of emotions.

The other issue is complete lack of interest. I feel very indifferent about everything and nothing seems as enjoyable as I remember it before the episode. It is a struggle to get motivated to do even basic things both at home and at work. It's not that I'm pessimistic or in bad spirits. I truly do make an effort to be interested in things but I cannot. It is a state of all consuming apathy that I have never experienced before and it somewhat worries me. It is a hollow feeling and I wish I could describe it better. I also know struggle with relationships and have not had any since the episode (romantic or friendships). I feel like should want these things but its like I truly do not have the energy or desire for it, and so I do not do anything to initiate it.

I was wondering if anyone has had experience with this. Are these are common issues after a psychotic episode? In time would one be able to feel emotions again? Would motivation and interest in things return?

Posted Jul 31, 2015, 11:43 PM UTC

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