Depression or St-Age?
When someone loses interest in activities which previously brought them happiness, it's thought to be a sign of depression. Can one be depressed without knowing it? Is it just a sign of getting older?
I've always loved playing games. When I was a child, I loved board games. As I got older, it was "video games." My Steam account can attest to the countless hours spent. Invested? Depends on your perspective. These days, I don't get as many cravings to play my games, new or old. When I do, it's almost like I have to build up the energy to do it. Sometimes I get into the game and can play for a few hours, but there are other times where I'm just not feeling it, even if I had the craving. I don't understand how it feels like an exertion of effort to play.
There are some games that I formed a connection with, but due to some sort of emotional trigger that tugs on the string of a memory in my life, it loses some of the shine to what is still a wonderful game to me. So, I don't play them.
Watching a movie? It seems like effort to decide what I want to feel. How recently have I watched it? Can I play the movie out in my head and feel the desired effect and save time? Save time for what?
I don't feel depressed. Sure, there are things that cause stress or worry in my life. I feel anxiety over certain aspects or decisions that have to be made. I classify that as normalcy in my mind. The stresses in my daily life feel immensely less than in the past. I'm not in an abusive relationship. I'm not in a position at work where I'm being micromanaged and manipulated into a corner of someone's choosing, resulting in detrimental harm to my career. I am in a good place. I own my own home. I have a fun car that some either can't afford at all or have to wait until much later in their lives to obtain. I have loving family members whom I care deeply for. I have my pets to welcome me when I get home and snuggle me at night. I don't feel there is anything to cause depression directly or indirectly.
Which, potentially brings me to suspect that getting older is fading some of my past interests. They appeal to me because they appealed to me in the past and served as outlets of energy or frustration. Perhaps it is an appeal of familiarity that doesn't have the same luster or satisfaction. So, I feel that something is lacking when it comes to doing them. That might explain some reluctance as I don't approach new activities with a lot of enthusiasm. I am a creature of habit. New routines don't populate spontaneously for me.
I haven't drawn any definitive conclusions, however, there are at least a few speculative considerations I hold suspect.