General Unable To Find Joy?

[HollyB]

My sufferer has been expressing that he's been unable to find joy or happiness in pretty much anything. We discussed all of his hobbies, things that he used to enjoy doing... and all he could do was complain about them and what a pain in the butt they are to actually do.

Without giving away his hobbies, I'll use an example of my own. I love to paint. Assuming he liked (past tense) to paint too, his post-Afghanistan response has changed from "Oh, I love creating, and sitting alone in the silence painting a picture, and I find so much peacefulness in the process!" to something like this: "OMG, it is such a pain in the arse to paint now! You have to prime the freakin' canvas. And get the right colors, and wash the dang brushes in between colors. Do you know what a pain that is?! Ugggggh, so annoying! The only reason I do it is for the end product, but the whole process of painting is horrible!"

This is definitely a new development, but it sounds more like depression than PTSD? I mean, "not enjoying things you once did" sounds like an infomercial for an anti-depressant, right?

Can anyone relate to this?

 

[Nicolette]

HollyB depression is symptomatic of PTSD so the two are inter-related in your situation. Eg the PTSD may cause depression and depression is the reason why he has lost joy in things.

 

[Ted Moen]

I think joy and happiness come from participation in an integrated set of relationships and activities that are appropriate to our current situation. Untreated PTSD leaves us able to do an activity, but unable to participate in it, and relationships are just too scary to consider. If we do an activity, it will most likely to be because it provides us a means to avoid participation in relationships, to isolate.

I was lucky enough to have a patient, dedicated supporter and a lot of professional therapeutic support from the VA to help me regain the ability to participate. It is a long, challenging process, but it is doable and well worth the effort.

Best wishes to you and your sufferer.

Ted

 

[HollyB]

Hi Ted. :) That's an interesting perspective. With my sufferer though, the hobbies in question are things he can and often does alone. Interacting or participating with other people doesn't seem to be an issue.

To the contrary, actually. When he isolates, he still wants to be around someone. He just doesn't want to talk. But for the most part, he's chatty Kathy and wants to be around people all the time. Being alone actually makes him really anxious. He can't even drive farther than 10 minutes away from home without calling someone to talk to on the drive.

 

[Bilby]

I totally agree with what Nicolette said.

How are things going with his treatment - is he talking to someone, is medication involved etc?

 

[HollyB]

Bilby: He is not currently in treatment. He thinks he doesn't need it right now, and that if he did, "they wouldn't understand."

 

[Bilby]

Oh Holly, that sucks. He really needs to be getting treatment so he can feel better! :(

It's must be so hard for you - knowing that he needs help, but he won't seek it.

B x

 

[ClearAsMud]

My sufferer is also unable to enjoy hobbies he used to take pleasure in...playing guitar and drawing are now a struggle rather than fun and have become pretty much non-existent. Very sad for him, and for those of us who enjoy his talents.