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Comment by anbotero

2 days ago

My situation is: I've visited doctors and they encourage me to try new things, "to keep coming out" of my comfort zone, but I can't seem to really feel excitement (passion, rather) anymore. The closest thing is my girlfriend.

I don't complain about mornings, about working, about any activity: I dig most of them, I really like some, but I just can't seem to feel alignment with this "purpose" thing. In my mind, my purpose is to live with health, enjoy life. For that I do the usual: travel, meet new people, practice a different sport or physical activity, hike, dive, go out to restaurants, play video games, watch films, go to theater, cook, draw, paint figurines, I help people (I'm no volunteer, though). I'm only missing woodworking because I live in an apartment and I can't fit any of that here, haha.

Am I cooked? Do I have depression and psychologists can't seem to adequately name it? Or can I simply go on with my life like this without feeling weird that every one else has/perceives all these issues that I don't?

I’m largely similar, except don’t even feel anything for spouse anymore either.

Even nice vacations aren’t enjoyable the way they used to be.

All started at the beginning of the pandemic (long before getting COVID).

Have had poor luck getting doctors to diagnose and treat actual problems, so haven’t tried for this.

Medically quite healthy by all measures.

What confuses me is I see people 10-20 years older with passions for doing things. They seem to have a zest for life that I cannot comprehend.

  • I'd encourage both of you to go and try talking to a therapist, based on my experiences.

    You absolutely can start by saying "I don't seem to have the joy of life that others have" and see where that leads you.

    It might not help, but it also might.