Does anyone feel like they lost their ability to feel any positive emotion about anything or anyone?

I suffer severe anxiety depression fears etc which seemed to start after medical scares I can only focus on how I feel 24 7 without being able to distract myself in any way I feel I lost all connection to the world and everything I ever knew its like I'm a different person I'm terrified of everything and feel I can't even function no meds or therapy have helped yet any similar experience please let me know

So how do you cope how do you function I feel I can't anymore and nothing works I was never like this in my life I can't find joy in anything or distract myself for a second I was never like this in my life until two years ago when I believe medical issues triggered a complete breakdown. I'm 39

Thanks I just don't know how to find the right doctors or meds or counselors I have tried so many and nothing works I feel like nothing ever will I feel so terrified I don't know what to do keep switching meds and doctors to no avail what was it like those three months were you able to function what do you suffer from what meds helped u sorry I'm just so desparate

Hi Theresa; welcome back, though sorry you're not feeling any better.

Nowadays the modern world acts like if you're depressed, then you can't get better without being on at least one antidepressant, maybe even two or three. If you're somebody for whom the meds don't work - like me - this is frustrating.

I know you're absolutely desperate for a solution, but the more you keep on thrashing about looking for one, the less likely I think it is to come to you. If 10 meds haven't worked, then it is extraordinarily unlikely that an 11th med will. It is just possible that antidepressants may even be adding to your distress; paradoxically, they can worsen depression and anxiety in a minority of people.

Are you on any other medication?

I know you say you can't distract yourself at all, but just try with a few small things: a 10-minute walk (with some nice scenery along the way, if possible); a cup of coffee and a magazine; a soak in a bath; or whatever else is soothing. Get into videogames: I am serious. Not the violent FPSs, obviously, but simple, bright, cheery games. There's research showing that Tetris can reduce trauma-induced flashbacks:

www.livescience.com/19894-tetris-treat-ptsd-flashbacks.html

I think you just need to find ways of getting through the days at the moment, tbh. Happiness can come at a later date; right now you just want each day not to be a torture.

(This entire post is probably useless, and if so I am sorry about that.)