Ah this was a quote from that paper. I think we missed a comma, so it should be lowered ability to experience negative emotions (like sadness) and positive emotions (like joy). Ability to feel doesn’t differentiate between “positive” and “negative” emotions. When you can’t feel the bad you also can’t feel the good. Hope this helps explain
I meant to write a wee bit more but I was interrupted and hit send. Sometimes economy of words is paramount -- as Strunk and White have so aptly pronounced.
Your discussion speaks directly to my profound anhedonia which in part derives, I believe, from a feeling of not having agency--that I learned from a physically and emotionally abusive relationship with a purebred narcissist. It seems preferable to shut down in order to limit the pain but in so doing I have rendered myself incapable of experiencing joy in any dimension of my life. I have begun to do things I used to do out of a sense of duty rather than alacrity or anticipated dopamine reward. My sense of helplessness about it can be overwhelming to the point that I don't even want to try to get better. Learning/practicing stoicism has helped a little.
At least I have a glimmer of interest in what the future may hold for me.
Thanks again for your clear and insightful writing.
I have a love hate relationship with the DSM. Finding validation when you fit, but feeling totally unseen when missed. Thank you for shining light on the shadows.
I’m curious about what you meant by “lowered ability to acknowledge negative emotions, such as sadness or joy.”
Do you mean joy is considered a negative emotion or did you mean to use another emotion?
Ah this was a quote from that paper. I think we missed a comma, so it should be lowered ability to experience negative emotions (like sadness) and positive emotions (like joy). Ability to feel doesn’t differentiate between “positive” and “negative” emotions. When you can’t feel the bad you also can’t feel the good. Hope this helps explain
Thank you yes this does help me understand your meaning.
This is a great short article.
So glad it helped!
I meant to write a wee bit more but I was interrupted and hit send. Sometimes economy of words is paramount -- as Strunk and White have so aptly pronounced.
Your discussion speaks directly to my profound anhedonia which in part derives, I believe, from a feeling of not having agency--that I learned from a physically and emotionally abusive relationship with a purebred narcissist. It seems preferable to shut down in order to limit the pain but in so doing I have rendered myself incapable of experiencing joy in any dimension of my life. I have begun to do things I used to do out of a sense of duty rather than alacrity or anticipated dopamine reward. My sense of helplessness about it can be overwhelming to the point that I don't even want to try to get better. Learning/practicing stoicism has helped a little.
At least I have a glimmer of interest in what the future may hold for me.
Thanks again for your clear and insightful writing.
Thank you for spreading awareness! It’s so important!
I have a love hate relationship with the DSM. Finding validation when you fit, but feeling totally unseen when missed. Thank you for shining light on the shadows.