I wish I can answer this question - I've been asking it myself lately.

I'm an artist who currently has no means of creating art. I've lost my joy.

I'm going to watch your thread carefully, and hopefully we can both learn something *hug*

Hi Hana, thats a tough one.....l jump on a bus and go for a ride in the sun, walkman on and by the time l got off in the city l'd feel better then l'd window shop or walk along the Thames river by the southbank till l came to the tate nodern museum go for a wander in there have lunch and go home by then the low would have lifted and as l love arty type things l'd feel joy....it only ever failed once l stayed on the bus went home and saw my Dr the next day.

Looking after little ones hearing them yell my name as l walk through my friends door and they'd fly at me for a huge hug....much joy there too

lt depends on why you feel no joy too

soap operas, comedians, the comedy channel and silly goofy stuff on tv. two and a half men cracks my ass up.

sending you happy thoughts hanna

Thanks everyone.

I haven't got the focus and concentration to watch anything on TV. nothing seems funny (and i feel really bad when my fiance cracks jokes and I just don't laugh).

I guess I'm just depressed. Makes sense...but I wish there was something I could do to bring me even a little happiness.

I am going through the same thing. I try to think happy thoughts and give thanks for all that I am greatful for.

I feel selfish.

Like all I can see is that I have no joy, and as much as misery loves company, I don't want to do that.

I hate feeling like I'm bringing others down.

Sometimes you have to appreciate the small things in life. Take a look around you and I'm sure that something that doesn't normally catch your attention will. Have faith. Things will get better, they always do. I felt that way for many years and now things are better than I could have ever imagined. Things happen for a reason, just believe!

Its hard when you're so down. Everything feels like an effort and nothing seems worth it.

If you can muster the energy put on youtube, and watch comedians. Eventually something will crack.

Open a window and look around at the world. Try to see the good things. The smell of rain, the birds singing.... just hang in there. If needs be sleep a little and allow yourself some rest

I know what I 'should' do when I can't feel joy. I should try to find things to make me happy etc...

Honestly I just ride it out. I take the time to immerse myself in the intellectual instead of the emotional. I'll lay in the grass and watch the ants for hours. I relax and try to enjoy, as much as possible, the quiet in my spirit. Lord knows it won't last forever.

Something important is to still let your parter/loved ones know that you're still inside and you still love them. Even if you dont *feel* that huge burning passion or waves of joy- you need to make sure that you tell those you love that you're still inside and you still love them. Even if you can't laugh with them or be with them in a physical way- try to leave them notes or do something for them- just let them feel that you care. Because even if we can't feel right now- they can.

Hanna, it is absolutely impossible to hold on to joy while in the throws of depression. The characteristic of depression is exactly the opposite. Even when we condition ourselves and learn coping skills, depression can suck all the joy right out of us. All we can do is our very best to get through it. Do the small things that keep you afloat and hang on to whatever positive you can find.

Try to keep exercising to encourage endorphines and do good things for yourself and others. Sometimes the more we focus on that, the less we feel the pain of the depression. Sleep when you need to, rest when you need to and just let yourself "coast".

I will be thinking of you sweetie. Hugs

hanna,maybe you should have your Pdoc re-evaluate your meds?

I was on Depakote alone,and felt stable ,but VERY flat!

I didn't feel anything,yet I knew I wasn't really depressed.

I found out a long term side effect of Depakote (and some other BP meds..is a flattening of emotions)..so Pdoc added a low dose of Lithium to my combo...and within a few weeks I have really perked up..heck,I even put my smiley face on NEON GREEN!

Situationally things are still a bit of a hassel in my life,but I am copeing and feeling WAY much better.

Good luck!

SLEEP

see your pdoc if it lasts more than 2 weeks. If it lasts more than that you are in a depression.

agree with the 2 weeks thing..you sound a bit depressed ie/ no concentration, lack of interest in things...also agree with what DancingD said...maybe you stabilized too low on meds (been there)..so that's why are so low & a good pdoc should be able to sort that out so you're medicated but not dulled out. In an ideal world, that is..or could be just the depression we're all prone too paying a house call, yeah. All the usual things help: get some sunshine (vitamin D), exercise despite not wanting to, sleep, be nice to you & distract self if can. Best luck.

I call doc and he puts me on Prozac for awhile.