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Feeling 'Blah'?: Why Life Feels Joyless and How to Recapture Its Highs
'Fascinating' Psychologies
'A brilliant read' Happiful
'A really, really, really, really good book' Liz Jones, You magazine podcast
How much do you enjoy your life?
Does life feel dull? A bit grey?
Do you feel as if your emotions have flatlined?
This is anhedonia – a word only a few of us have heard of but one that explains why so many of us feel we are sleepwalking through life.
Anhedonia is from the Greek word for 'without pleasure' and describes a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It explains why many of us spend our lives in a fog, feeling neither happy nor sad, just not very much at all.
In the first book to tackle this missing piece in mental health, writer Tanith Carey joins the dots on how convenience culture, stressful lifestyles, modern diets and both female and male hormonal changes can dial down our ability to feel excitement and joy.
With the help of world-leading experts and by digging into the latest research, Tanith shows you how your brain's dopamine reward system works and provides strategies to help you bring colour back into your life. Groundbreaking, accessible and often surprising, this is the book that will teach you how to kickstart your feel-good chemicals and start loving life again.
'A brilliant read' Happiful
'A really, really, really, really good book' Liz Jones, You magazine podcast
How much do you enjoy your life?
Does life feel dull? A bit grey?
Do you feel as if your emotions have flatlined?
This is anhedonia – a word only a few of us have heard of but one that explains why so many of us feel we are sleepwalking through life.
Anhedonia is from the Greek word for 'without pleasure' and describes a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It explains why many of us spend our lives in a fog, feeling neither happy nor sad, just not very much at all.
In the first book to tackle this missing piece in mental health, writer Tanith Carey joins the dots on how convenience culture, stressful lifestyles, modern diets and both female and male hormonal changes can dial down our ability to feel excitement and joy.
With the help of world-leading experts and by digging into the latest research, Tanith shows you how your brain's dopamine reward system works and provides strategies to help you bring colour back into your life. Groundbreaking, accessible and often surprising, this is the book that will teach you how to kickstart your feel-good chemicals and start loving life again.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2023
81 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 1, 2023
Before reading, I had never heard of anhedonia, when you feel worse than good.
This book will be useful for people who know they are not depressed but yet feel like they don't enjoy life as much as they used to. It might be a relief to know that there is a middle ground. That it's not simply a case of whether you are depressed or not.
Tanith brings together a wealth of research and personal experiences to bring science to life. Part 1 tells us more about Anhedonia and helps frame it in the context of modern life. I know that periods of poor mental health can be hard to accept, and it's easy to blame yourself. So this section will build understanding and perhaps lighten the load for sufferers. It also gives some simple ways to track anhedonia - which Tanith suggests could be the difference between letting your emotions control you and getting mastery over them. And I found the chapter How Your Childhood May be Standing in the Way fascinating. That section could definitely be a lightbulb moment for readers.
Part 2 is What Anhedonia Means for You, looking at your body and what's happening. Includes sections on sleep, diet, menopause, thyroid issues and addiction. I like that it takes a holistic view of health and doesn't ignore other factors.
Part 3 is How to Feel Fully Alive Again, a useful resource which readers can dip in and out of as they work towards leading a happier life. When I had burnout and FND, I definitely found it powerful to notice good moments as they happened and agree that taking small steps is always better than doing nothing. Tanith highlights that research shows it can take as little as seven weeks of self-generating positive emotions to reduce symptoms of low mood.
There are practical tips on how to talk to your partner about your anhedonia. ideas on how to create a joyful home, and I'm also pleased to see she includes how beneficial it can be to spend time in nature. She says, "We pay a high price with our well-being when we cut ourselves off from the outside."
Being an avid reader of health books, including some referenced by Tanith, I recognised much of the advice. Her tips were well-researched and easy to read and digest. Being the first book to tackle Anhedonia, it will appeal to many individuals who sit in the grey area between being happy and depressed. Many people sit in that liminal space, adamant they are not depressed but unsure how to regain their mojo. For them, this book could be a godsend.
This book will be useful for people who know they are not depressed but yet feel like they don't enjoy life as much as they used to. It might be a relief to know that there is a middle ground. That it's not simply a case of whether you are depressed or not.
Tanith brings together a wealth of research and personal experiences to bring science to life. Part 1 tells us more about Anhedonia and helps frame it in the context of modern life. I know that periods of poor mental health can be hard to accept, and it's easy to blame yourself. So this section will build understanding and perhaps lighten the load for sufferers. It also gives some simple ways to track anhedonia - which Tanith suggests could be the difference between letting your emotions control you and getting mastery over them. And I found the chapter How Your Childhood May be Standing in the Way fascinating. That section could definitely be a lightbulb moment for readers.
Part 2 is What Anhedonia Means for You, looking at your body and what's happening. Includes sections on sleep, diet, menopause, thyroid issues and addiction. I like that it takes a holistic view of health and doesn't ignore other factors.
Part 3 is How to Feel Fully Alive Again, a useful resource which readers can dip in and out of as they work towards leading a happier life. When I had burnout and FND, I definitely found it powerful to notice good moments as they happened and agree that taking small steps is always better than doing nothing. Tanith highlights that research shows it can take as little as seven weeks of self-generating positive emotions to reduce symptoms of low mood.
There are practical tips on how to talk to your partner about your anhedonia. ideas on how to create a joyful home, and I'm also pleased to see she includes how beneficial it can be to spend time in nature. She says, "We pay a high price with our well-being when we cut ourselves off from the outside."
Being an avid reader of health books, including some referenced by Tanith, I recognised much of the advice. Her tips were well-researched and easy to read and digest. Being the first book to tackle Anhedonia, it will appeal to many individuals who sit in the grey area between being happy and depressed. Many people sit in that liminal space, adamant they are not depressed but unsure how to regain their mojo. For them, this book could be a godsend.
May 1, 2024
I can honestly say that this book is one that I feel many will not know they need before reading. Particularly in the current climate of the world it can be easy to feel unhappy but not exactly depressed or anxious. Carey gives a name to this feeling, anhedonia, and explains what it means and what it does for to us and others. The best part that this book is broken into the sections which means some can be skipped if not relevant but there are sections that will appeal to everyone.
I think this is the perfect type of book to have for reference to help further understand how mind and feelings work.
I think this is the perfect type of book to have for reference to help further understand how mind and feelings work.
May 11, 2024
Feeling 'Blah'? by Tanith Carey.
In the first book to tackle this missing piece in mental health, writer Tanith Carey joins the dots on how convenience culture, stressful lifestyles, modern diets and both female and male hormonal changes can dial down our ability to feel excitement and joy.
This was an interesting read. This has what to look out for and you can handle the situation. This us a must have. This was very well researched. I'm impressed. I have just started getting into this genre and I'm so glad that I have. 4*.
In the first book to tackle this missing piece in mental health, writer Tanith Carey joins the dots on how convenience culture, stressful lifestyles, modern diets and both female and male hormonal changes can dial down our ability to feel excitement and joy.
This was an interesting read. This has what to look out for and you can handle the situation. This us a must have. This was very well researched. I'm impressed. I have just started getting into this genre and I'm so glad that I have. 4*.
Read
March 19, 2025I might have to read this again when I need it more; right now I'm too busy to feel anything except relief as I accomplish each appointment or milestone that I'm going through this spring. Otoh, mostly it seems to boil down to Healthy Body, Healthy Mind. Eat right, get fresh air and exercise.
Anyway, so far it's easy to read, and the science seems reasonably well-researched from sources that were reasonably well-done. In fact, at times it does seem like the author is sharing things we know from common sense. But mostly that's just 'recognition' I think; 'ah, yes, of course' is the feeling I'm getting rather than 'well I knew that already.'
I appreciate that she knows we've all had enough of the advice to get enough sleep, stop & smell the roses, etc. She promises to give more evidence based advice in the last chapters, In the earlier chapters she's laying out what the heck anhedonia is (for example how it differs from dysthymia and depression. Also why it's worth treating (basically so it doesn't get worse and harder to treat, and also so that we can be more like a ray of sunshine for our kids & others) and what contributes to its development (being homo sapiens, living in the modern world with stress and poor gut health, having a poor childhood...).
Dopamine (more of which humans produce than other critters) and loss of estrogen (remember brain fog, fatigue, etc.?) in menopause are big factors I want to talk to a doctor about. I have been on levothyroxine (thyroid) and maybe should be again; I will get a test at least. I will start taking an Omega-3 supplement.
I really appreciate how she clarifies the need for social interactions for introverts. "Of course, no one wants to be surrounded by other people all the time. How much time we want to spend with others varies according to our personalities and personal histories. But if there's a void between how much interaction and connection with other people you want and what you are getting, you will feel an oxytocin deficit-and your happy hormones will be taking yet another hit."
Focusing on simple pleasures, counting blessings, logging gratitude, all can help. But you have to persevere. You've read it elsewhere, about how it takes a lot of iterations to form a habit. It's true. But worth it.
As she concludes: "If your life was dimmed, as mine was before I wrote this book, I hope you now have some of the tools you need to shine again. There's too much for all of us to do to stay in the darkness."
(Not rated; I can't decide between three or four stars.)
Anyway, so far it's easy to read, and the science seems reasonably well-researched from sources that were reasonably well-done. In fact, at times it does seem like the author is sharing things we know from common sense. But mostly that's just 'recognition' I think; 'ah, yes, of course' is the feeling I'm getting rather than 'well I knew that already.'
I appreciate that she knows we've all had enough of the advice to get enough sleep, stop & smell the roses, etc. She promises to give more evidence based advice in the last chapters, In the earlier chapters she's laying out what the heck anhedonia is (for example how it differs from dysthymia and depression. Also why it's worth treating (basically so it doesn't get worse and harder to treat, and also so that we can be more like a ray of sunshine for our kids & others) and what contributes to its development (being homo sapiens, living in the modern world with stress and poor gut health, having a poor childhood...).
Dopamine (more of which humans produce than other critters) and loss of estrogen (remember brain fog, fatigue, etc.?) in menopause are big factors I want to talk to a doctor about. I have been on levothyroxine (thyroid) and maybe should be again; I will get a test at least. I will start taking an Omega-3 supplement.
I really appreciate how she clarifies the need for social interactions for introverts. "Of course, no one wants to be surrounded by other people all the time. How much time we want to spend with others varies according to our personalities and personal histories. But if there's a void between how much interaction and connection with other people you want and what you are getting, you will feel an oxytocin deficit-and your happy hormones will be taking yet another hit."
Focusing on simple pleasures, counting blessings, logging gratitude, all can help. But you have to persevere. You've read it elsewhere, about how it takes a lot of iterations to form a habit. It's true. But worth it.
As she concludes: "If your life was dimmed, as mine was before I wrote this book, I hope you now have some of the tools you need to shine again. There's too much for all of us to do to stay in the darkness."
(Not rated; I can't decide between three or four stars.)
May 5, 2024
Feeling 'Blah' is a self help book by Tanith Carey.
Blurb -
Fascinating' Psychologies'A brilliant read' Happiful'A really, really, really, really good book' Liz Jones, You magazine podcast How much do you enjoy your life? Does life feel dull? A bit grey? Do you feel as if your emotions have flatlined? This is anhedonia – a word only a few of us have heard of but one that explains why so many of us feel we are sleepwalking through life. Anhedonia is from the Greek word for 'without pleasure' and describes a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It explains why many of us spend our lives in a fog, feeling neither happy nor sad, just not very much at all. In the first book to tackle this missing piece in mental health, writer Tanith Carey joins the dots on how convenience culture, stressful lifestyles, modern diets and both female and male hormonal changes can dial down our ability to feel excitement and joy. With the help of world-leading experts and by digging into the latest research, Tanith shows you how your brain's dopamine reward system works and provides strategies to help you bring colour back into your life. Groundbreaking, accessible and often surprising, this is the book that will teach you how to kickstart your feel-good chemicals and start loving life again.
Review -
This book came into my life at just the right time. Sometimes I just don't feel right and this book helped me make sense of how I've been feeling and helped me overcome it. This is the perfect book to dip in and out of and go back to time and time again. I highly recommend it
💖 Thank you to @zooloobooktours and the author, Tanith Carey for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Blurb -
Fascinating' Psychologies'A brilliant read' Happiful'A really, really, really, really good book' Liz Jones, You magazine podcast How much do you enjoy your life? Does life feel dull? A bit grey? Do you feel as if your emotions have flatlined? This is anhedonia – a word only a few of us have heard of but one that explains why so many of us feel we are sleepwalking through life. Anhedonia is from the Greek word for 'without pleasure' and describes a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It explains why many of us spend our lives in a fog, feeling neither happy nor sad, just not very much at all. In the first book to tackle this missing piece in mental health, writer Tanith Carey joins the dots on how convenience culture, stressful lifestyles, modern diets and both female and male hormonal changes can dial down our ability to feel excitement and joy. With the help of world-leading experts and by digging into the latest research, Tanith shows you how your brain's dopamine reward system works and provides strategies to help you bring colour back into your life. Groundbreaking, accessible and often surprising, this is the book that will teach you how to kickstart your feel-good chemicals and start loving life again.
Review -
This book came into my life at just the right time. Sometimes I just don't feel right and this book helped me make sense of how I've been feeling and helped me overcome it. This is the perfect book to dip in and out of and go back to time and time again. I highly recommend it
💖 Thank you to @zooloobooktours and the author, Tanith Carey for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2023
This was the book I didn't know I needed, I'd never heard of anhedonia before but reading about it suddenly made sense. A good mix of explaining about it, other peoples feeling, what is isn't, how its linked to health conditions and how to gradually overcome it.
Not all parts were relevant- I could skip menopause, anything with partners and children, but I would think that's to be expected in this type of read.
Insightful, and lots to take away.
Not all parts were relevant- I could skip menopause, anything with partners and children, but I would think that's to be expected in this type of read.
Insightful, and lots to take away.
December 7, 2023
Es un libro fácil de leer. En las primeras dos partes la autora hace una buena revision de la literatura y también consulta fuentes expertas para explicar de forma bastante completa y amigable las causas y consecuencias de la anhedonia.
En la tercera y última parte da un buen abre bocas de algunas estrategias para afrontarla. Para quienes estamos familiarizadas con el tema, no explica nada novedoso, pero para aquellas personas que consultan por primera vez sobre el tema, podrán encontrar un buen resumen de recomendaciones y estrategias muy interesantes. También encuentro que puede ser especialmente útil para mujeres, sobretodo si se encuentran en periodo peri/post menopausico y para personas con pareja e hijos/as.
En la tercera y última parte da un buen abre bocas de algunas estrategias para afrontarla. Para quienes estamos familiarizadas con el tema, no explica nada novedoso, pero para aquellas personas que consultan por primera vez sobre el tema, podrán encontrar un buen resumen de recomendaciones y estrategias muy interesantes. También encuentro que puede ser especialmente útil para mujeres, sobretodo si se encuentran en periodo peri/post menopausico y para personas con pareja e hijos/as.
May 1, 2024
I’ve noticed more and more of us feeling the effects of the modern world on our mental health and emotional wellbeing, perhaps due to the constant bombardment of bad news and divisive rhetoric, or the instant access to everything we can think of. So I was keen to get a new perspective on this burnout and how it could be remedied.
This book is full of lots and lots of information, research and facts about brain chemistry, neuroscience and how the reward system and stress-reaction system in our brains function (dopamine, seratonin, oxytocin, adrenaline, noradrenalin, cortisol). The main thrust of argument in the book is that this understanding of anhedonia (or feeling ‘blah’) and the brain processes involved in it is the primary tool we have to begin combatting it.
There are plenty of other practical tips to help move the brain processes away from anhedonia and into a more contented, colourful quality of life, including mindfulness, healthy eating and exercise, avoiding SSRIs (where possible) and eliminating sources of addiction (whether phone, porn, drugs or more), spending time in nature, reducing inflammation in the body, pursuing hobbies and activities that you enjoy and practicing daily gratitude. Most of these ideas will be familiar to anyone already dealing with chronic illness or mental health issues, but the author’s approach via brain chemistry provides a new way of approaching the issue.
Particularly of practical use to me was the author’s advice to follow those ‘glimmers’ of enjoyment or ‘sparks’ of inspiration and motivation, and to keep going even if you feel like it isn’t making a difference, because the changes will happen slowly and almost imperceptibly if you persevere. I was inspired, after finishing the book, to dig out my anti-inflammatory cookbook, create some new meditation and exercise playlists and research my local pool timetable and guitar lessons in my area, so I consider the book valuable for that alone!
If you find yourself feeling a bit ‘meh’, or ‘blah’ or everything just feels a bit grey and samey day after day, then this is the self-help book specifically targeted to address what you are feeling and support you with it. I – sadly – think most people would benefit from reading it these days.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This book is full of lots and lots of information, research and facts about brain chemistry, neuroscience and how the reward system and stress-reaction system in our brains function (dopamine, seratonin, oxytocin, adrenaline, noradrenalin, cortisol). The main thrust of argument in the book is that this understanding of anhedonia (or feeling ‘blah’) and the brain processes involved in it is the primary tool we have to begin combatting it.
There are plenty of other practical tips to help move the brain processes away from anhedonia and into a more contented, colourful quality of life, including mindfulness, healthy eating and exercise, avoiding SSRIs (where possible) and eliminating sources of addiction (whether phone, porn, drugs or more), spending time in nature, reducing inflammation in the body, pursuing hobbies and activities that you enjoy and practicing daily gratitude. Most of these ideas will be familiar to anyone already dealing with chronic illness or mental health issues, but the author’s approach via brain chemistry provides a new way of approaching the issue.
Particularly of practical use to me was the author’s advice to follow those ‘glimmers’ of enjoyment or ‘sparks’ of inspiration and motivation, and to keep going even if you feel like it isn’t making a difference, because the changes will happen slowly and almost imperceptibly if you persevere. I was inspired, after finishing the book, to dig out my anti-inflammatory cookbook, create some new meditation and exercise playlists and research my local pool timetable and guitar lessons in my area, so I consider the book valuable for that alone!
If you find yourself feeling a bit ‘meh’, or ‘blah’ or everything just feels a bit grey and samey day after day, then this is the self-help book specifically targeted to address what you are feeling and support you with it. I – sadly – think most people would benefit from reading it these days.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
March 14, 2023
The title and premise of this book was so intriguing. It's a feeling I have felt for some time, and I never knew it had a name. The book was really interesting, specifically the science bits!
A lot of this book was common sense, but there were some interesting parts.
Tanith Carey's writing style was great, and they manage to make the science easy to understand.
It's never overwhelming.
A lot of this book was common sense, but there were some interesting parts.
Tanith Carey's writing style was great, and they manage to make the science easy to understand.
It's never overwhelming.
May 1, 2024
Over the past few years, I've really become fascinated by all things psychological including mental health - and I've often bought books to help with different aspects and also just to learn more about certain things.
Sometimes I really don't get along with the writing style finding it either too clinical or too "chatty"!
In Feeling 'Blah'?, Tanith has absolutely got this balance right and I found this book so easy to read and keep dipping into.
I actually think that this is one that will remain on my table for some time so that I can keep dipping in and out when needed.
This book deals with a general condition that so many of us feel nowadays, but can't actually describe what it is.
That feeling of overwhelm and not so much unhappiness....but that limbo in-between that makes us just feel numb.
It's hard to describe - but I totally get it and I'm sure many of us feel this way...and it was great to see that - not only is it an actual issue - but also ways in which to bring back that happiness that's missing.
I loved that this wasn't overly clinical - but there's some great studies and interviews included to show the amount of research done.
It also wasn't too preachy - you know the books I mean, where everything feels shouty and forced.
This book guides is through the introduction, explanation and steps for improvement, nice and smoothly.
The chapters were a bit varied in length, some a little longer than others, but there were still some great break points so that this can be read in bite size chunks so as not to overwhelm.
I liked that the sections were super clear and within those, each chapter clearly labelled so making it easy to pick up and go over certain parts when needed.
I actually read this cover to cover, but there are definitely some sections which will be more relevant than others ....and in some cases (menopause - if you're younger) not relevent at all - but these are easy enough to spot and skip over if needed, without losing the flow at all...making this accessible by all.
I loved this and know that many people will relate to the condition and take advice from it too.
Sometimes I really don't get along with the writing style finding it either too clinical or too "chatty"!
In Feeling 'Blah'?, Tanith has absolutely got this balance right and I found this book so easy to read and keep dipping into.
I actually think that this is one that will remain on my table for some time so that I can keep dipping in and out when needed.
This book deals with a general condition that so many of us feel nowadays, but can't actually describe what it is.
That feeling of overwhelm and not so much unhappiness....but that limbo in-between that makes us just feel numb.
It's hard to describe - but I totally get it and I'm sure many of us feel this way...and it was great to see that - not only is it an actual issue - but also ways in which to bring back that happiness that's missing.
I loved that this wasn't overly clinical - but there's some great studies and interviews included to show the amount of research done.
It also wasn't too preachy - you know the books I mean, where everything feels shouty and forced.
This book guides is through the introduction, explanation and steps for improvement, nice and smoothly.
The chapters were a bit varied in length, some a little longer than others, but there were still some great break points so that this can be read in bite size chunks so as not to overwhelm.
I liked that the sections were super clear and within those, each chapter clearly labelled so making it easy to pick up and go over certain parts when needed.
I actually read this cover to cover, but there are definitely some sections which will be more relevant than others ....and in some cases (menopause - if you're younger) not relevent at all - but these are easy enough to spot and skip over if needed, without losing the flow at all...making this accessible by all.
I loved this and know that many people will relate to the condition and take advice from it too.
May 1, 2024
Feeling 'Blah' is a book all about a much ignored condition called anhedonia. Anhedonia is the state of feeling like you get no joy or happiness out of your life, but you're not quite depressed either.
It's a state I have become familiar with over the years, but I'd never heard of this condition before I started reading the book.
The book takes you on a journey through what anhedonia is, what can cause it and how you can take steps to fix it.
It's packed with plenty of information and scientific research to back it up. Something I didn't realise was that my own feelings of anhedonia were actually linked to thyroid disease, a chronic condition I've been suffering from for at least four years now (if not longer). It was nice to put a name to what I'm feeling.
Now, I've been going through a bit of a binge when it comes to self-help books/videos/blog posts recently and a fair amount of the advice in this book is quite similar to what I've come across. Sleep well, eat well, get outside, track your mood, etc. I was kind of expecting some different or maybe a little more unique advice, which was a tad disappointing. I would say this book was more about informing you of what the condition is and giving you some practical advice, which you might have already heard before, to go with it.
An informative book which I would recommend to anyone who wants to know more about anhedonia, especially if you think you might suffer from it yourself.
It's a state I have become familiar with over the years, but I'd never heard of this condition before I started reading the book.
The book takes you on a journey through what anhedonia is, what can cause it and how you can take steps to fix it.
It's packed with plenty of information and scientific research to back it up. Something I didn't realise was that my own feelings of anhedonia were actually linked to thyroid disease, a chronic condition I've been suffering from for at least four years now (if not longer). It was nice to put a name to what I'm feeling.
Now, I've been going through a bit of a binge when it comes to self-help books/videos/blog posts recently and a fair amount of the advice in this book is quite similar to what I've come across. Sleep well, eat well, get outside, track your mood, etc. I was kind of expecting some different or maybe a little more unique advice, which was a tad disappointing. I would say this book was more about informing you of what the condition is and giving you some practical advice, which you might have already heard before, to go with it.
An informative book which I would recommend to anyone who wants to know more about anhedonia, especially if you think you might suffer from it yourself.
June 5, 2024
Before I read this I thought Anhedonia was a Greek Island.
Some good tips and very realistic advice.
Some good tips and very realistic advice.
August 2, 2024
So in full disclosure, I haven’t quite finished this book, but I don’t feel like that will prevent me from reviewing. It’s a book that has resonated so much with me, it’s made me open my eyes up and realise what is happening and it has clicked so much with me.
I love that this is something I can dip in and out of, because it has some exercises to do, some apps to look at and try, all to try and not retrain your brain but to work on your brain and your nervous system. It’s such an informative book, as we look back at our ancestors and how anhedonia works and what it actually is. Gosh, the research in this book is phenomenal, as we look back and there are quotes from leading professionals. This book will help you identify areas you need to review. Not everything is relevant to me, but I found it fascinating to read. Because if something doesn’t jump out at you, subconsciously it might do. What I found even more personal were the stories from other people interjected throughout, and I found myself nodding along with their stories, saying – yes me to! It was good to feel seen.
It is such an insightful and interesting book, and I know it’s one I will keep coming back to, one I can pick up again and again, and each time I know I will find something new that will be relevant. It gives you an ‘early warning system’ to keep an eye on to prevent burnout – something I need to keep an eye on. I can’t express how much this really has resonated with me. Everything just clicked.
This book is something for everyone who feels a bit blah, you feel like you are in a bit of a “funk” but have no idea why, well this book might just give you that inkling you need to work it out!
I love that this is something I can dip in and out of, because it has some exercises to do, some apps to look at and try, all to try and not retrain your brain but to work on your brain and your nervous system. It’s such an informative book, as we look back at our ancestors and how anhedonia works and what it actually is. Gosh, the research in this book is phenomenal, as we look back and there are quotes from leading professionals. This book will help you identify areas you need to review. Not everything is relevant to me, but I found it fascinating to read. Because if something doesn’t jump out at you, subconsciously it might do. What I found even more personal were the stories from other people interjected throughout, and I found myself nodding along with their stories, saying – yes me to! It was good to feel seen.
It is such an insightful and interesting book, and I know it’s one I will keep coming back to, one I can pick up again and again, and each time I know I will find something new that will be relevant. It gives you an ‘early warning system’ to keep an eye on to prevent burnout – something I need to keep an eye on. I can’t express how much this really has resonated with me. Everything just clicked.
This book is something for everyone who feels a bit blah, you feel like you are in a bit of a “funk” but have no idea why, well this book might just give you that inkling you need to work it out!
June 14, 2024
My review of Feeling Blah Why Anhedonia Has Left You Joyless and how to recapture life's highs by Tanith Carey.
The book is insightful and eye-opening. I could see myself between the lines and connect deeply. This book is helping me overcome anhedonia gradually. I am grateful I read this book at the time anhedonia has taken away the pleasure I derived from reading. Thank you, Tanith Carey, for this amazing book.
The book started off talking about the definition of Anhedonia and evolution of humans in regards to their pursuit of happiness. The book also analyses different feelings good hormones like dopamine, endorphins, oestrogen, serotonin etc and how they affect our mood. The book also assess how menopause, menstrual cycle and andropause impact our enjoyment of life.
The book provides suggestions to beat Anhedonia like getting more sunlight, kick-starting a previously pleasurable activity even though you don't feel like, having enough sleep, eating healthy diet. Speaking with people about shared interests etc.
I recommend this book to anyone struggling to find pleasure in activities they found pleasurable beforehand. I struggle with Anhedonia for a long time and this impacted my reading habit devastatingly. I'm glad that gradually I have started feeling pleasure in reading books again.
The book is insightful and eye-opening. I could see myself between the lines and connect deeply. This book is helping me overcome anhedonia gradually. I am grateful I read this book at the time anhedonia has taken away the pleasure I derived from reading. Thank you, Tanith Carey, for this amazing book.
The book started off talking about the definition of Anhedonia and evolution of humans in regards to their pursuit of happiness. The book also analyses different feelings good hormones like dopamine, endorphins, oestrogen, serotonin etc and how they affect our mood. The book also assess how menopause, menstrual cycle and andropause impact our enjoyment of life.
The book provides suggestions to beat Anhedonia like getting more sunlight, kick-starting a previously pleasurable activity even though you don't feel like, having enough sleep, eating healthy diet. Speaking with people about shared interests etc.
I recommend this book to anyone struggling to find pleasure in activities they found pleasurable beforehand. I struggle with Anhedonia for a long time and this impacted my reading habit devastatingly. I'm glad that gradually I have started feeling pleasure in reading books again.
June 14, 2024
My review of Feeling Blah Why Anhedonia Has Left You Joyless and how to recapture life's highs by Tanith Carey.
The book is insightful and eye-opening. I could see myself between the lines and connect deeply. This book is helping me overcome anhedonia gradually. I am grateful I read this book at the time anhedonia has taken away the pleasure I derived from reading. Thank you, Tanith Carey, for this amazing book.
The book started off talking about the definition of Anhedonia and evolution of humans in regards to their pursuit of happiness. The book also analyses different feelings good hormones like dopamine, endorphins, oestrogen, serotonin etc and how they affect our mood. The book also assess how menopause, menstrual cycle and andropause impact our enjoyment of life.
The book provides suggestions to beat Anhedonia like getting more sunlight, kick-starting a previously pleasurable activity even though you don't feel like, having enough sleep, eating healthy diet. Speaking with people about shared interests etc.
I recommend this book to anyone struggling to find pleasure in activities they found pleasurable beforehand. I struggle with Anhedonia for a long time and this impacted my reading habit devastatingly. I'm glad that gradually I have started feeling pleasure in reading books again.
The book is insightful and eye-opening. I could see myself between the lines and connect deeply. This book is helping me overcome anhedonia gradually. I am grateful I read this book at the time anhedonia has taken away the pleasure I derived from reading. Thank you, Tanith Carey, for this amazing book.
The book started off talking about the definition of Anhedonia and evolution of humans in regards to their pursuit of happiness. The book also analyses different feelings good hormones like dopamine, endorphins, oestrogen, serotonin etc and how they affect our mood. The book also assess how menopause, menstrual cycle and andropause impact our enjoyment of life.
The book provides suggestions to beat Anhedonia like getting more sunlight, kick-starting a previously pleasurable activity even though you don't feel like, having enough sleep, eating healthy diet. Speaking with people about shared interests etc.
I recommend this book to anyone struggling to find pleasure in activities they found pleasurable beforehand. I struggle with Anhedonia for a long time and this impacted my reading habit devastatingly. I'm glad that gradually I have started feeling pleasure in reading books again.
February 4, 2024
Anhedonia – at last a name for a condition I have known but not recognized for the last 40 years.
This compact book breaks down the condition of ‘Feeling Blah’ and gives it a name and a not to be ignored standing in the pantheon of neuroscience and psychological conditions that has long been overlooked. It’s an immensely entertaining, succinct and informative read, with down to earth commonsense recommendations to help one recognize and navigate the feelings of anhedonia. A book that will continue to be relevant at different stages in one’s life.
I suspect this book will remain a reference on my bedside table for many years to come.
Vandy Young,
This compact book breaks down the condition of ‘Feeling Blah’ and gives it a name and a not to be ignored standing in the pantheon of neuroscience and psychological conditions that has long been overlooked. It’s an immensely entertaining, succinct and informative read, with down to earth commonsense recommendations to help one recognize and navigate the feelings of anhedonia. A book that will continue to be relevant at different stages in one’s life.
I suspect this book will remain a reference on my bedside table for many years to come.
Vandy Young,
February 27, 2024
After the sparkle of Christmas, the first few weeks or months of a new year often has us really thinking about our life, what we want from it, what to change, how to get some zing about it. Perhaps you’re Feeling ‘Blah? This book can assist in tackle flat-lined emotions.
Carey takes you by the hand and gently guides you into what Anhedonia or Blah is and a very quick history of it and how to combat this low feeling, backed up by scientific research. Carey shines a light of realistic, down-to-earth positivity in easy to understand “meh” feelings in bite-sized chunks with long-lasting advice.
She also notes further support resources.
Carey takes you by the hand and gently guides you into what Anhedonia or Blah is and a very quick history of it and how to combat this low feeling, backed up by scientific research. Carey shines a light of realistic, down-to-earth positivity in easy to understand “meh” feelings in bite-sized chunks with long-lasting advice.
She also notes further support resources.
April 29, 2024
If you are like me and if you are a self-help, psychology, pop-psychology, science-y psychology, and self-improvement book junkie (oops, sorry not sorry!), then you too might feel like you have seen it all, read it all, it’s all the same old, same old. And, if you are like me, you will be pleasantly surprised when you start reading this book.
This is not your regular self-help or feel-good-chicken-soup, not at all. This is a common-sense talk. This is research-based. This is science-based. You read it and feel like you have had a refreshing chat with a friend, yet somehow this friendly chat has made you more capable of getting up, getting going, and tackling whatever lies ahead.
This is not your regular self-help or feel-good-chicken-soup, not at all. This is a common-sense talk. This is research-based. This is science-based. You read it and feel like you have had a refreshing chat with a friend, yet somehow this friendly chat has made you more capable of getting up, getting going, and tackling whatever lies ahead.
March 29, 2025
The kick up the backside I needed, with some good science as to why we feel 'blah' (aka anhedonia) from a mix of evolutionary biology clashing with modern life, hangovers from childhood and physical reasons, creating negative patterns of thought and behaviours.
Actionable behaviours are suggested to make small, incremental changes that will hopefully add up to shift your mood. Key messages are based in behavioural activation therapy which advocates that doing something - anything - is better than doing nothing and not waiting until you feel better to do something. CBT is used to tackle negative thoughts patterns (catch it, check it, change it (reframing). A useful little book.
Actionable behaviours are suggested to make small, incremental changes that will hopefully add up to shift your mood. Key messages are based in behavioural activation therapy which advocates that doing something - anything - is better than doing nothing and not waiting until you feel better to do something. CBT is used to tackle negative thoughts patterns (catch it, check it, change it (reframing). A useful little book.
June 12, 2025
Journalistic in format, the book goes through current evidence and thoughts around anhedonia. I struggle with the books conclusions.... Her recommendations are around essentially recapturing joy through small, tiny pleasures. I can see that being of benefit. I can't help but think that she may be missing larger missing aspects of peoples lives, including those influenced by wider society. The book very much wants to keep away from philosophy and larger questions of life that affect peoples happiness and satisfaction. Not all our happiness can be solved by "just touching grass"
April 20, 2023
How have I never heard of this before? It was like this book was tailor made for me. This has been me ever since the Covid years began.
It's definitely a resource that I will be dipping in and out of again in the future. I found the chapters on menopause highly relatable to me and informative.
I love anything sciency and relating to mental health, so I found the book fascinating and educational, every days a school day!
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's definitely a resource that I will be dipping in and out of again in the future. I found the chapters on menopause highly relatable to me and informative.
I love anything sciency and relating to mental health, so I found the book fascinating and educational, every days a school day!
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 19, 2025
Lost for Joy by Tanith Carey explores anhedonia the inability to feel pleasure and why so many of us feel emotionally flat. Drawing on cutting edge research and expert insights, Carey explains how modern lifestyles, diet, stress, and hormonal changes can dull our brain’s dopamine system. Packed with practical strategies to reignite joy and excitement, this groundbreaking and accessible book shows readers how to reclaim their emotional spark and start truly enjoying life again
October 26, 2023
This really resonated with me and I totally recognize that our society and instant access to technology has re-wired our reactions to everyday life and the extraordinary. There were a few insightful tips and it has made me re-think about really living in the moment and to appreciate the glimmers here and there that we may miss.
December 30, 2024
Really interesting. I don't read much self help, but this one struck me as more popular science than self help - includes insights from a variety of researchers, and the approach is more "maybe this will help" rather than "this 30 day approach will transform your life!"
Audiobook was well narrated. I may purchase a print copy as well for easier reference.
Audiobook was well narrated. I may purchase a print copy as well for easier reference.
October 22, 2023
This is the book I didn’t know I needed. Combines personal stories with top-notch research and scientific information and some really helpful practical tips. Would recommend to anyone feeling ‘meh’.
June 3, 2024
This book should be more helpful to those without chronic mental illness. There is lots of good advice but most of it could fit into any other general mental health book. As a person with long term mental illness I did not find this book especially helpful.
July 12, 2023
Clear and helpful explanations as well as tips to activate joy again
November 13, 2024
Very few books tackle this feeling, I'm glad someone took it up....
December 9, 2024
DNF because it was an audiobook and I kept waking up to her talking about menopause - will probs try again when I can get a physical copy
did-not-finish
February 17, 2025DNF audiobook over an hour into it. The Anhedonia topic interested me, but continued use of the word ‘Blah’, after defining that it stood in for anhedonia symptoms, started to really irritate me.
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