Feeling a loss of interest in everything? Here's what to do

Losing interest or pleasure in activities or others who used to make you happy could be the result of being overworked, relationship challenges, or being stuck in a rut. However, a long-term loss of interest in many things or people may indicate a mental health condition.

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What symptoms are associated with losing interest?

If you have lost interest in previously enjoyable activities, you may also lose motivation to do them. You may feel hesitant to go out, which might lead to isolation. You may be unable to concentrate.

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Other symptoms of losing interest include feeling unhappy, flat or numb, sleep concerns, fatigue, loss of appetite, and gut concerns.

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Which conditions can cause loss of interest as a symptom?

If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a Mental health professional. If lack of interest has gone on for two weeks or more, it can be a sign of a mental health condition or other condition, such as: 

• Loss of interest is a common symptom of sadness, whereas in bipolar disorder, it might indicate depression. 
• Anxiety - loss of interest and avoidance of circumstances that make you anxious could be indications. 
•  Schizophrenia symptoms include low motivation, inability to feel happy, withdrawal from hobbies and friends.
• stress and burnout – long-term stress can lead to burnout, where you lose motivation and interest, and withdraw from others
• Substance abuse- This  can cause withdrawal from activities, loss of friends, conflict
•  Grief-  Some individuals may experience a temporary lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

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If you are suffering long-term symptoms (more than two weeks), such as losing interest in activities or people, feeling sad most of the time, not sleeping well, changes in appetite , lack of motivation, restlessness, or difficulties concentrating, you should consult a mental health professional. Conditions such as depression can aggravate over time if not treated, so seek help as soon as possible. The healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms, examine you, and may recommend certain testing if any symptoms need to be examined further. 

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Here’s what you can do!

When you feel like you are losing interest in everything and want to get back on track, here are a few things you might want to give it a shot. 

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• Movement is key 

Physical activity can boost your mood, making you feel more energised and revived. 

Take a stroll, go for a swim, or try any form of exercise to get the blood flowing. Even 5 minutes of exercising can improve your mood and motivate you to do more. Spending time outside also improves sleep and mood. 

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• Eat healthy

Healthy eating habits are associated with better mental health than an unhealthy diet. The Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, moderate consumption of poultry, eggs, and dairy products, and occasional eating of red meat, has been revealed to minimise the risk of depression and is an excellent diet for mental health.

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• Get enough sleep

Try to get enough sleep. Sleeping inadequately may worsen depression and other mental health conditions. Hence, maintaining a healthy sleep hygiene is crucial. 

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• Set yourself small tasks

These could be some activities  in the home or garden. For example, do a clean-out and donate some of your unwanted stuff to charity. This will keep you occupied and provide something nice to focus on. 

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• Do what you usually enjoy

You may have lost interest and energy in some of the activities you used to like, but try to do small tasks with your hobbies or friends. If doing it by yourself is not exciting. Try to join communities, where you can engage with your interest in more whole way. This is great way to connect with people as well.  Pets can provide companionship and stress relief, so try to spend quality time with your pet.

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• Take one step at a time

If you're really struggling with anhedonia and feeling hopeless, remember that it's unusual to go from losing interest in everything to suddenly enjoying life. Even with effort and care, it's natural to have instances when you just want to give up (and surrender to emotions of detachment). When you notice when something happens, try to take small steps.  This may be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to write down how you felt and what made you happy, or simply noticing how you are feeling and taking a few seconds to notice what you are feeling. 

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• Plan for the future

Having a planned fun activity or just heading out for a quick coffee can help you feel better and motivated.

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Final thoughts

A lack of interest can be lonely, sad, and even frightening sometimes. You might feel nothing is in your control and feel very directionless as well. You may question if you will ever find pleasure in the things you once enjoyed, or if this is simply the new you. 

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Embark on an interactive journey to combat a loss of interest in activities, regain motivation, and explore insights into related mental health conditions with this comprehensive guide. Ready to take charge of your mental well-being? Seek personalized support and guidance from our experts at Rocket Health today. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Whether you're seeking professional guidance, exploring self-help strategies, or simply looking for a supportive community, Rocket Health is here to empower you every step of the way. Start your mental health journey with us today and take the first step towards a happier, more fulfilling life.

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But, before you give up, remember that you're now on your way to rekindling the passion, happiness, and curiosity that we all deserve to feel. The fact that you are reading this article itself shows that you have taken a sense of action and now it is the matter of time till you feel better. 

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References

Watson, R., Harvey, K., McCabe, C., & Reynolds, S. (2019, July 3). Understanding anhedonia: a qualitative study exploring loss of interest and pleasure in adolescent depression. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 29(4), 489–499. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-019-01364-y

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Wang, H., Tian, X., Wang, X., & Wang, Y. (2021, October 29). Evolution and Emerging Trends in Depression Research From 2004 to 2019: A Literature Visualization Analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.705749

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Marmorstein, N. R. (2012, January). Anxiety disorders and substance use disorders: Different associations by anxiety disorder. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 26(1), 88–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2011.09.005

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Schizophrenia and related disorders during mid‐ to late‐life (NIMH). (2022, October 4). Federal Grants & Contracts, 46(21), 8–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/fgc.32633