What is Anhedonia?

What is Anhedonia - and what it isn't

People often use the word anhedonia to describe feeling flat, disconnected, unmotivated, or emotionally numb — but these experiences are not all the same. This practical psychology handout explains the important differences between anhedonia, avolition, and anergia, and why understanding the difference matters for recovery.

Designed by mental health clinicians, this resource includes actionable strategies for each presentation, including:

• MOVE skills for avolition (low motivation)
• PACE skills for anergia (low energy and fatigue)
• LIFT skills for true anhedonia (loss of pleasure and emotional responsiveness)

Ideal for psychologists, therapists, counsellors, coaches, or individuals wanting a higher-resolution understanding of depression, burnout, emotional numbness, and motivation problems.

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