What is losing interest?

At some time in your life, you may lose interest or pleasure in activities or people that once gave you enjoyment. This is also known as anhedonia.

This can happen because of many reasons, like:

• overworking, burnout and fatigue
• relationship problems
• boredom

An ongoing loss of interest in many things can be a sign of a mental health condition.

What causes loss of interest?

If your loss of interest lasts for a long period of time, it can be a sign of a mental health problem.

This can include:

• depression
• stress and burnout
• substance misuse
• grief
• trauma-related problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder
• schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
• an eating disorder

Other health conditions such as dementia may also cause a loss of interest.

When should I see my doctor?

If you are struggling with losing interest, see your doctor. Getting support early can help prevent a mental health condition. Getting help early can also prevent a condition like depression from getting worse over time.

If you have lost interest in activities or people that used to give you pleasure, you may also:

• lose motivation to be social and feel isolated
• have trouble concentrating
• feel unhappy, flat or numb
• feel restless
• have problems sleeping
• feel tired
• have changes in appetite or weight

You should see your doctor if you experience symptoms like these for more than 2 weeks.

Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and examine you. They may suggest having some blood tests to rule out any underlying physical conditions.

Your doctor may be able to help prepare a mental health treatment plan for you.

If needed, your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional such as a:

• psychologist
• counsellor
• social worker

When to seek urgent care

If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000). For help and support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

How is loss of interest treated?

If your symptoms are due to a mental health condition such as depression, your doctor can recommend treatment. This might include medicines and psychological therapy.

Self-care at home

There are things you can try to help motivate yourself to get back on track when you are experiencing a lack of interest.

Try to build a routine of healthy habits. This can reduce stress, improve your motivation and give you a sense of some control. You can try to:

• eat healthily most of the time
• get enough sleep
• be physically active most days, even for just small amounts of time
• spend time outside in nature to help with sleep and mood
• practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques

It's also important to use your support network. Make sure your friends and family know what you're going through. They can support you. Spending time with other people can also help improve your mood.

Medicines for loss of interest

Some medicines like antidepressants can help treat loss of interest caused by mental health problems.

Other treatment options

Psychological therapy can help treat mental health conditions that cause a loss of interest. This can include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you to change unhelpful thoughts. This can help improve your feelings of interest and motivation.

What are the complications of losing interest?

If you feel an ongoing loss of interest, you may be at higher risk of having suicidal thoughts.

Can loss of interest be prevented?

If you find that your mental health is impacting your life, seek help. Getting help can help prevent loss of interest and the development of a mental health condition.

Resources and support

To find out more about losing interest or to talk to someone about how you feel, consider these organisations that can help.

• Beyond Blue (for anyone feeling depressed or anxious) — call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
• Black Dog Institute has a variety of digital tools and apps to help improve mental health.
• Lifeline (for anyone experiencing a crisis or thinking about suicide) — call 13 11 14 or chat online.
• Suicide Call Back Service (phone and online counselling for people affected by suicide) — call 1300 659 467.

For advice and to get connected to local mental health services, you can call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.

Languages other than English

For information in languages other than English, you can visit the Embrace Multicultural Mental Health website.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• 13YARN has a factsheet on Depression for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You can also call on 13 92 76.
• You can also find mental health resources on the WellMob website.
• On the Medicare Mental Health website you can find support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.