lost motivation for everything-- how to find it

[psyvamp71]

It seems that I have lost my general motivation for pretty much everything.... Part of my brain knows i need to do things ( shower, clean house, cook dinner, go grocery shopping, lose weight, see friends, etc. ) -- but another part of my brain often overrides that with a simple lack of motivation to actually follow thru. I have to force myself to do just the basics most days... I absolutely HATE the feeelings I get from this. I feel like my own mind- and body- are holding me captive. Does anyone else here ever feel the same- or similar????? how can I get myself motivated???? and no-- rewrds systems dont work.....
If anyone has any input here-- I would greatly appreciate it!

[psyvamp71]

Yes- me too- the mundane daily stuff drives me insane..... I'D just as well ignore it .

[CRSeaside]

Deep Cleaning ? I love to do that. It's the day to day chores I detest.
Good going, having some energy feels sooo great huh? Pamela

[psyvamp71]

I think I am coming along-- actually been cleaning house some the last few days- some of that stuff that ya do infrequently, and deep cleaning .I've noticed not so much darkness and a bit more energy-- its a SLOW process bit I am starting to feel some better.

It helps me alot to read posts from others on my threads, its like a big boost.
CRS- glad you found us too. I empathize with you.... welcome.

To ALL; keep posting, I need the conversation!

[CRSeaside]

Hi. I've been housebound ,really in bed all day for months. I came across this group for the first time on Sat. I joined yesterday.
The support has been amazing. I've gleaned quite a bit from old posts as well.    So, for a whole year I haven't been able to go up to my new hse/art studio. Today I just put one foot in front of the other & made it!!!!
    The motivation came from all of you that care! Thanks Pamela

[rogelio63]

I take welbutrin and zoloft and they really seem to work for me. I've been backing off on all my meds with the NP's help and have started lithium and it seems to be working well. I have more energy too!  I've been reading a book that advocates helping others as a way to generate harmonious vibrations that help to improve mental health.  I think the guy's got something there. I'm going to try it!

[psyvamp71]

today is a little better energy-wise and nit so danged depressed- maybe my meds are kicking in.....

[psyvamp71]

So I went to see my psydoc on the 28th of Oct, he decreased my dose of Risperdal from 3mg/day to 2 mg /day ( says it may be blunting my moods) and we added Wellbutrin, 300mg/day....I've been trying real hard to keep a good attitude, often just talking to him helps some, ya know-just voicing my problem. But I am feeling a little bit better, already I notice better energy- a little- and a little better moods. So my motivation is increasing- but I've also been MAKING myself do certain little things no matter what, to help boost my motivation. So all in all I'm hoping to see some more improvement as the next few weeks go by and this med has a chance to kick in real good. Its slow moving but at least I'm moving now. Please, any comments or encouragement you can give is greatly appreciated!

[psyvamp71]

Gods, I hope so! I dont have an appt with my psych md again til November 12....almost a month away-- seems like a long time, but I'm sure it'll go fast. He tried putting me on Lithium-- I couldn't take it. Go figure. So right now I'm battling it out just on risperdal and valium and adderall...... not the best for depression let me tell you.  I am thinking about asking to go back on LEXAPRO....was taken off it to be put on SAVELLA ( drug from hell) by my rheumatologist. Had to get off it. Made me paranoid as the devil like you wouldnt believe.

[rogelio63]

Yeah,,,as a matter of fact today I went to see my Psych NP, she's backing off on my meds to start me on lithium. I'm kind of scared of taking lithium living in Arizona with the hydration issues and all,,,
The depression I'm in right now is the reason she's feeling like the others just aren't cutting it.
Someday,,we'll be able to say,,,yesterday I was depressed,,,

[psyvamp71]

Do you feel depressed? I think alot of my lack of motivation is depression.....
I'm struggling with it everyday....

[psyvamp71]

Dang straight-- Id take that pill too. LOL..... I wonder too- sometimes I know I do, long for my times of )hypo) mania. At least I had energy, motivation and things got done. I didn't sit around all day in a pool of tears - which is how i feel most of the time nowadays. I've been thru alot I know that affects my moods, but come on, I feel like I'm in over my head and can't reach bottom nor a life preserver.........

[rogelio63]

I just put up a similar post. If I'd known you already were asking it, I would've just read your answers.
I don't have the motivation to do the things I need to do and then I feel guilty and depressed because Istart calling myself "lazy" in my head.
I don't like pills, but if they had a pill for this, I'd take it.
Sometimes I wonder if this is the way "normal" people feel but they just have more assertiveness or get up and go, than I do.
Sometimes I wonder if I am longing for mania again.

[psyvamp71]

I understand about it being cyclical....I'm not sure if mine is or not-- this is the first time I've felt it this way this bad....Thank you for posting, I hope it passes soon too.... I would like to hear what others have been thru tho, too, how they managed to muddle thru or bounce back..... so, anyway, hope you have a groovy kinda day!

[weaver71]

I feel that way off and on. It is hard to snap out of it. It seems to follow a cycle ending in depression. The listless feeling is normal depression, which I thi k I feel after I end a cycle. I am that way now. I think of it like climbing a mountain, one foot in front of the other. I pick a task and do it whether I want to or not. I stay as in the moment as I can. Eventually I reach the mountain top and can see where I was and where I'm going again. The depression is taking longer to recover from as I age. I set my life so I have to interact with people too. When in this state, I make sure it is someone who understands. If nothing else this post should make you feel less alone. I relate. I hope it passes soon.