How Do We Lower the Hedonic Line Back to a Normal Level?

     Depending on whether it was something in our control or out of control, there are two ways to lower the hedonic line again. 

     

     When the hedonic line has been raised due to something out of our control such as depression, death, abuse, or neglect, we must learn new coping skills to deal with that stress.  Such coping skills can include soothing self-talk, journaling, seeing a therapist, open communication etc.  These skills then help us to not feel so stressed.  This in turn lowers the hedonic line, allowing us to feel pleasure again. 

     When the hedonic line is raised due to an event that is within our control such as substance use or running away, or addictive gambling, we need to first, stop the behavior.  Just stop it!  This is always easier said than done.  However, the solution for events we can control is the same as for events we can not control, as stated above.  You see, we typically get into using substances or negative behaviors as a way of coping with stress.  Thus, the solution is the same: Find new coping skills to deal with stress that are more healthy productive.  Once we replace old negative coping skills with new healthy coping skills, we can again lower our hedonic line.