Why is it so hard even for professionals to accept anhedonia in depression?
Wherever I go, whether to a clinic, doctors, or therapists, everyone seems to have such a hard time understanding this issue. I mean, after all this is a primary symptom of depression, but for most people it seems completely inconceivable.
When you talk to them about other symptoms, like fatigue, depressed mood, etc. it's no problem. They know what you're talking about and try to find a solution. But when it comes to anhedonia, it's always completely different. It's as if they assume that one is still healthy in this specific regard and that this symptom simply doesn't exist, or at most is very mild and no big deal.
When I try to explain it, they just see it as part of those typical negative thoughts that some people with depression have (that I don't experience by the way) where one might think that things are no longer nice and enjoyable, and that in reality, it's actually completely different, and I just need to do these things, and then I would realize that only my perception is wrong and I am still able to enjoy everything.
I really don't understand this. What are your experiences?