What causes loss of interest

We have all been victims of losing interest in some area of ​​our lives. That job, that friendship, that romantic partner that previously gave us euphoria and great satisfaction, but that later no longer even attracts our attention… What happened? Maybe we made the wrong choice? Maybe we overestimate the positive qualities of that person or situation or is there something else?

Losing interest in something or someone can lead us to feel guilt, frustration, and great indecision about how to act. Therefore, It is recommended that we investigate the origin of this disinterest to be able to make appropriate decisions.

What causes loss of interest?

There are several reasons why a loss of interest may occur. The most common are the ones you have in the following sections.

Habituation

Habituation is one of the most primitive and common learning processes that exist. the same consists of a decrease in the response to a stimulus that is presented repeatedly. That is, it is the process by which we stop responding to that which no longer constitutes novelty.

Throughout the day, we can find numerous examples of this phenomenon. The noise of an appliance stops startling us as we listen to it every day. Advertising placed on the side of the road on the way to work goes unnoticed by us. The screams of parents who constantly address their child in this way will no longer have any effect on the child.

When we become accustomed to a stimulus, it loses the power to evoke a response in us. In this way, the illusion fades from day to day and we begin to find a thousand and one defects in the person who at first we almost considered perfect.

Likewise, if we refer to romantic relationships, the levels of different neurotransmitters stabilize over time. In this way, falling in love gives way to companionate love in which the initial euphoria is replaced by higher levels of intimacy and commitment.

Overconfidence

Other times it happens that we lose interest because we take for granted what we have. When something is a challenge we set out to work for it. Having a goal drives us to mobilize our resources and skills, and the satisfaction when achieving it is high.

On the other hand, when it is ours, it is common for us to relax and settle. Happiness for what we have obtained is losing intensity. When we have a steady job or when people show us excessive attention, we feel that there is no longer a need to make an effort and the challenge element disappears.

The common denominator in both cases is that, in one way or another, we stop valuing the situations or people around us. Whether out of habit or excessive confidence, we do not consider that we can really lose what we have.

The damage caused by this situation is evident: our work performance will be much lower, our social relationships will lose quality because we do not take care of them, and our partner may leave because they do not feel valued.

Escape from pain

Many times, the absence of interest in the world around the person is a defense mechanism of the mind. When reality exceeds someone’s emotional limits, it is easy to find patterns of dissociation, evasion and repression.

Thus, a person who spends his days in front of the television or social networks while his problems get more and more serious could not be a case of laziness, but of depression. The feeling of not being able to take any more, of helplessness in the face of life’s difficulties, ends up disconnecting the person from their outside world to end continuous psychological suffering.

Loss of interest is also worked on

Many people think that loss of interest is inevitable, that it is part of the normal process of life.. Thus, they adopt a passive attitude and settle into situations that no longer make them truly happy. Or, on the contrary, they jump from one life situation to another hoping that in the next one disinterest will not make an appearance.

It is essential to know that interest is worked through daily actions. If you feel apathy about everything around you, it is probably because you have stopped giving it value, and this is something that comes from your thoughts. We have the habit of overlooking the good things that make up our lives and thus we are depriving ourselves of the ability to enjoy.

Adopt the habit of being aware every day of everything you have, of fully feeling the happiness that this brings. Work on your gratitude and teach your mind not to take anything for granted. Remember how much you longed for what you now possess and actively dedicate yourself to enjoying its presence in your life.

A grateful and positive-focused mind experiences much higher levels of happiness and satisfaction.. Furthermore, he naturally takes care of his relationships and circumstances, giving his best in each of them. The person who acts in this way can be sure that the loss of interest will no longer accompany him on his journey.

Anhedonia: the clinical term for loss of interest

Finally, it is pertinent to mention that Loss of interest can be a characteristic symptom in various psychological disorderssuch as depression or schizophrenia.

In these cases, The clinical term used to describe this attitude is “anhedonia.”, which refers to the inability to experience pleasure, as well as a lack of interest or satisfaction in almost all aspects of life. However, this can also manifest itself in specific aspects, such as the appetite for food, sexual relations or in leisure activities that were previously enjoyed.

Main symptoms

Anhedonia is seen more frequently within major depressive symptoms. In this context There are several signs that a person has lost interest in their life:

Significant weight loss or gain. Change in sleep patterns. Physical sensations such as restlessness or agitation. Fatigue or loss of energy. Inability to concentrate. Difficulty thinking and making decisions. Reduced emotional expression. Loss of libido. or lack of interest in physical intimacy.

Anhedonia treatment

Anhedonia is difficult to treat, as it is expected that the person will not obtain results as soon as they start therapy. This, added to the demotivation that characterizes this symptom, causes adherence to treatment to decrease.

On the other hand, the inability to enjoy is usually secondary to mental illnesses that need to be diagnosed and treated. Treating these is usually a better solution than treating anhedonia separately.

How to overcome loss of interest?

In addition to going to a psychologist, which should be your first option, There are some measures you can take that will help you, at least, get your recovery back on track. They are the ones you have below:

Meditate. Natural supplements such as Rhodiola rosea.Eliminate the consumption of ultra-processed foods.Reduce the consumption of caffeine and sugar.Do outdoor activities.Socialize.

It is important to be alert to the appearance of anhedonia. If the loss of interest persists over time, the ideal is to ask a mental health professional for help. Through therapy, the causes of anhedonia can be identified and how to treat them.

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