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Lost interest in things I used to enjoy

Also called: Anhedonia, depression, loss of interest

Losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy is a key sign of depression, especially if it lasts more than 2 weeks with low mood, tiredness, sleep changes, or trouble concentrating. Depression is common and treatable with therapy, medicine, or both. If you're thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988.

Common causesDepression, stress, burnout, grief, medical conditions
Usually serious?Can be serious, but treatable
Get checked ifIt lasts 2 weeks or more, or affects daily life
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.Being hurt or threatened at home? National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.Help with alcohol or drug use: SAMHSA Helpline, 1-800-662-4357.

Overview

Everyone feels down sometimes. Depression is when low mood or loss of interest lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks.

Other signs include changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, feeling worthless or guilty, trouble thinking, moving or speaking slowly or feeling restless, and thoughts of death. Thyroid problems, medicines, alcohol, and other illnesses can cause or worsen depression.

When to get medical care

Call 911Thoughts of harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911 if you're in danger.
Get care todayThoughts that life isn't worth living, or making plans to hurt yourself; call or text 988. Not eating, drinking, or caring for yourself.
See a doctor soonLoss of interest lasting 2 weeks or more. Low mood affecting work, school, or relationships. Using alcohol or drugs to cope. Depression after having a baby.

Causes

Causes include depression, bipolar disorder, grief, stress and burnout, trauma, substance use, and medical problems like thyroid disease, chronic pain, and chronic illness. Some medicines, including steroids and some blood pressure medicines, can affect mood.

OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause lost interest in things i used to enjoy. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • DepressionSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    A persistent low mood or loss of interest that lasts at least 2 weeks.

What you can do at home

  • Talk to someone you trust.
  • Do one small enjoyable or meaningful thing each day, even if you don't feel like it.
  • Get outside and move each day.
  • Keep a regular sleep schedule.
  • Limit alcohol and avoid drugs.
  • Reach out for help early.

Medicines

Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and antidepressant medicines both work well, and combining them often works best. It may take a few weeks to feel better.

At the doctor

The provider will ask about your mood and check for medical causes.

Questions you may be asked

  • How long you've felt this way
  • Sleep, appetite, and energy
  • Thoughts of harming yourself
  • Alcohol and drug use
  • Past episodes or highs

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

  • A depression questionnaire (PHQ-9)
  • Thyroid and other blood tests

Prevention

You can protect your mental health.

  • Stay connected with others
  • Stay active
  • Get help early
  • Limit alcohol

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.