MetaChat - What's this condition called?

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02 May 2008

What's this condition called? I know it's considered a "classic" symptom of depression, but is there a name for it?→[More:]I'm suffering from hating everything that's repetitive. Why should I shower this morning, when I'm going to have to again tomorrow morning? Oh, right, I have to work. So, the shower is agonizing. Cleaning my plate and fork after dinner is agonizing for the same reason, but I have to eat. I don't want to even watch the Red Sox game tonight, because it's just the same thing--announcers discussing different strategies, and someone will win or lose. I can't get interested in new clothes or styles--because there will just be more new clothes or styles when I get them again next year.

Is there a name for this? And can one do anything about it, besides massive doses of medication?

post by: Melismata at: 11:59 | 18 comments

Ennui?

posted by ThePinkSuperhero 02 May | 12:04

Modern life?

I know, I know. Not helpful.

I could be wrong, but I have this sneaking suspension that you may be one of those people that "think too much". That always causes problems for me.

posted by -t 02 May | 12:37

The closest term I can think of is "anhedonia", but that's more of a general ability to enjoy things.

posted by concrete 02 May | 12:44

Low Affect?

posted by rainbaby 02 May | 12:57

Oh yes, I definitely think too much all the time. But at the same time, I can't get interested in, say, whether my sister should wear the blue dress or pink dress, because it requires thinking.

posted by Melismata 02 May | 12:59

The unspeakable burden of brushing your teeth every goddamn day.
Your ability to focus has become, to be technical, fuckered up. There's no big picture when you've got your nose pressed to the tiles of the bathroom floor, weighed down by the prospect of having to brush your teeth yet again.

posted by ethylene 02 May | 13:02

It's called "being sick of life." You can recover though. To feel better, you need fresh air and exercise combined with some real novelty and lots of physical and mental stimulation. The only "boring" thing you need that you may not have is good nutrition and possibly a physical to check for things like anemia or thyroid conditions that make people lethargic. Also, sleep with the window open.

posted by serena 02 May | 13:29

FUCKING TEETH ANYWAY.

posted by quonsar 02 May | 13:44

i don't see why i should breathe. i'll just have to breathe again. one fucking breath after another, on and on and on until i just fucking can't stand to breathe anymore. FUCKING AIR ANYWAY.

posted by quonsar 02 May | 13:46

TODAY I SHIT. YOU'D THINK THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH FOR A WHILE BUT I KNOW TOMORROW I'LL SHIT AGAIN. TURD UPON WRETCHED STINKING TURD, SPIRALING DOWN THE PIPE, UNTIL THE ENTIRE PLANET IS NOTHING BUT A STEAMING HEAP OF PUTRID SHIT. FUCKING SHIT ANYWAY!

posted by quonsar 02 May | 13:51

quonsar: exactly how I'm feeling, all day, every day!

posted by Melismata 02 May | 14:09

quonsar again?

posted by taz 02 May | 14:09

Anomie.

posted by lleachie 02 May | 14:34

fucking quonsar anyway.

posted by quonsar 02 May | 14:39

I have no idea what the name is, but you know what I do when that happens? If X is bothering me, I stop doing X for a few days. Right now my kitchen is a freakin' mess because right now, X = washing the dishes. Eventually I get fed up with the dirty kitchen and I clean it with enthusiasm.

If you don't brush your teeth for a few days, you'll live. Trust me.

posted by Doohickie 02 May | 16:26

I don't know, a few words come to mind... immaturity? (the shower is "agonizing"? really?)... ingratitude (at least you have a job, not to mention teeth)... self-absorption (why give your own angst so much weight? You're just spreading misery -- though maybe that's the point?)... overly dramatic (much ado about, well, nothing?)... self-indulgent (how about volunteering at a homeless shelter or a nursing home? Get some perspective).

Course, my shit don't stink. :)

And you could, in fact, have a mood disorder. If you've been feeling like this consistently for three or more weeks, you may want to see a doctor/psychologist. Brain chemistry can really fuck with ya. (NOT a doctor, mind you.)

posted by Pips 02 May | 17:36

(I recommend Easy Cheese. Easy Cheese cures all.)

posted by Pips 02 May | 17:39

I was going to say teenagedom, because wow did I ever feel like that between 16 and 18.

posted by dabitch 03 May | 13:06

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