@tyme @Sorry I couldn't make the chat tonight, but i'd still like to answer the questions.
Q1 Have you experienced apathy or anhedonia? What did it look and feel like?
From my understanding of what it is, I definitely experienced this for a few months after a really bad test result last December that meant was life was going to be significantly shorter than I thought the day before.
It wasn't even a case of motivation, there was just no will or desire to do anything. Eventually I worked up enough to do some small things that I used to do, but i didn't enjoy it, I just did it to try and distract myself and just stop all those same thoughts that were endlessly circling inside my head.
Q2 What are some signs that we might be experiencing apathy, anhedonia, or both?
For me it was just the amount of effort it took me to do anything other than sit on the couch and stare into space. Not knowing why I was doing anything, I was just doing them to pass some time until it was late enough that I could just go back to bed and back to sleep.
Q3 What sorts of circumstances or life events might trigger apathy and anhedonia? Are there times we might experience one but not the other?
For me, it was that bad test result. Probably because I wasnt really expecting it as there was no reason it should have happened with the treatment I was on so soon, so it really blindsided me. So I guess anything it life that is traumatic and just make you lose the will to enjoy any aspect of life, or feel like there is anything to look forward to at the time.
Q4 How might the experience of apathy and/or anhedonia have an impact on our friends and family?
I don't know. Only my partner saw me during those few months. But she knew the reason and so I guess she understood but didn't really know what to say or do, so just tried her best to be there if and when I decided to talk about it.
Q5 What some signs that a loved one may be experiencing apathy/anhedonia, and how would you support them?
A change in behavior, withdrawing, not interest in doing anything. I would just be there for them, let them know if they wanted to talk I would be happy to listen but until then I would be right there with them.
Q6 Once we’ve recognised apathy/anhedonia may be an issue, what are some ways we might begin addressing it? Have you found any effective ways of coping?
To be honest, I don't remember a lot of that time. Maybe it was just over time I just slowly started to accept things and found that will do do things in life again. I don't really remember. I just know it took a long time.
Q7 How do we remind ourselves to keep going when apathy and anhedonia may make it really hard to do so? How do we encourage our loved ones to push through?
Start trying to do small things, even if you don't think you'll get any benefit from it. Reach out to any supports you have and just try to start talking. It could be about anything, just to start to feel some connection to someone or hear a voice other that that in your head is a good start.
