Feeling a Lack of Joy? Let’s Talk About Anhedonia | Sanity Check

Episode Overview

Have you ever felt like the things that used to bring you joy just… don’t anymore? Like you’re going through the motions, but the spark is gone? That’s anhedonia—the inability to feel pleasure from things that once made you happy. In this episode, we dive into what anhedonia really is, why it happens, and how to gently invite joy back into your life.

We also discuss the work of Dr. Judith Joseph, a psychiatrist who has helped shed light on this experience. Her insights helped us recognize what we were going through—and might help you, too.

Key Discussion Points

• What is anhedonia? The emotional numbness that makes life feel distant.
• Our personal experiences with anhedonia and how we realized what was happening.
• Why it’s not just “feeling down”—how it differs from sadness or a rough patch.
• The connection between anhedonia and stress, burnout, depression, and perimenopause.
• The guilt of not feeling joy, especially as a parent.
• Why ‘snapping out of it’ doesn’t work and how self-criticism makes it worse.
• Small steps that help—how to reconnect with life without forcing joy.
• The importance of naming it, seeking connection, and getting support.

Listener Takeaways

• You are not broken—anhedonia is a symptom, not your identity.
• Naming it is powerful—it helps separate the feeling from who you are.
• Small, gentle actions can help—listening to a song, sitting with a loved one, reaching out to a friend.
• Connection is key—even when you don’t feel like it.
• It’s temporary—you won’t feel like this forever.
• Professional support can make a difference when anhedonia feels overwhelming.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced anhedonia? What has helped you reconnect with joy? We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message or leave us a voicemail—we always love hearing from you.

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. You never know who might need to hear this today.

Sources & Further Reading

• Dr. Judith Joseph – Psychiatrist specializing in mental health and emotional wellness. Learn more about her work here.

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Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

Editor: Allia Lenit Galos

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Disclaimer:

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.