Understanding Loss of Interest and Pleasure in Depression

There is somewhat of a misconception that feelings of sadness are the primary feature of low mood and depression.  Many people associate depression with deep sadness or persistent crying. While these symptoms can be part of the experience, depression often shows up in more subtle and misunderstood ways. One of the most telling—yet frequently overlooked—signs is a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that once felt enjoyable. This symptom, known clinically as anhedonia, can feel confusing, frustrating, and isolating.

In this post, we explore why this happens, how it connects to depression and other low mood states, and what can be done to support healing.

Depression is more than just sadness

While sadness is can be a symptom in depression, it’s not the defining feature. In fact, many people experiencing depression don’t describe themselves as feeling “sad.” Instead, they might feel loss of interest, emotionally flat, unmotivated, or disconnected. This can create a disconnect between how someone feels internally and how others expect depression to appear externally—making it harder for them to recognize or seek support for what they’re going through.

One of the core symptoms of depression, according to diagnostic criteria, is a marked loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. This could mean avoiding or not looking forward to hobbies, feeling detached from relationships, or even feeling indifferent toward things that once brought joy or meaning. Over time, this loss of interest and pleasure can lead to withdrawal, internal criticism, and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

Why does depression cause a loss of interest and enjoyment?

There are several reasons why someone with depression may experience loss of interest in once-enjoyable experiences:

Changes in brain and body chemistry

Depression affects the brain’s reward system, including neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These chemical messengers play a role in how we experience pleasure and motivation. When disrupted, they can dull emotional responses and make everyday experiences feel unrewarding or emotionally distant.

Emotional exhaustion

Depression is often accompanied by overwhelming fatigue—both physical and mental. This makes it difficult to engage in activities, even those that are enjoyable, because the energy to do so just isn’t there and understandably lead to loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities.

Negative thought patterns

Depression can cloud thinking, leading to harsh self-talk, pessimism, and a sense of futility. Someone might think, “What’s the point?” or “I probably won’t enjoy it anyway,” even before trying. These beliefs can reinforce a cycle of disengagement.

Disconnection from self and others

People living with depression often feel disconnected—not just from others, but from themselves. This detachment can make it hard to feel emotionally present or invested in the things that used to bring comfort or joy.

Other causes of low mood and loss of interest

Loss of interest doesn’t only occur in major depressive disorder. It can also be present in:

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A longer-term, lower-grade form of depression where motivation and interest slowly erode over time.

• Burnout or Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress—especially related to work or caregiving—can drain pleasure from life and mimic depressive symptoms.

• Postpartum Depression: New parents might feel emotionally numb or disconnected from bonding activities with their baby.

• Grief or Difficulties with Adjusting to Life Transitions: Even in the absence of clinical depression, significant life changes can dampen interest in previously meaningful activities.