Getting motivated during depression.

[AO111]

When I go through a depression my biggest "symptom" is a complete lack of motivation. It's so bad that I feel heavy and bogged down and I have to force myself to do absolutely anything because I always feel like doing nothing. Even if it's something that might be fun I have to make myself do it and generally slog through it. Is there anyway I can boost my motivation to do things?

[4Maddie44]

Yes I know the feeling.  it is a huge effort to do anything at all.  Depression drains us of everything, takes away so much.  When I was in deep depression I could do nothing at all.  

Don't try and make yourself do things if you really cannot manage it.  Believe me there were many times I would just lie around all and everyday.  I just about managed to keep myself and the house clean and tidy and look after a pet.  

I have a tabby cat like the one in your profile.  Is it your cat?

Now you take care and if you don't feel like doing anything then don't.  I don't know what to suggest to help you motivate yourself like you asked.  I found just one small step a day helped.  Set yourself a small goal, and when you achieve it, praise yourself.  That was what I was taught in the psychiatric hospital.  

Keep in touch.

[AO111]

I'm glad you found things that worked for you. Another issue I deal with besides lack of motivation is lack of energy. When depressed I feel drained and heavy.

[4Maddie44]

Depression does take away motivation.  That is a very common symptom.  When you do feel you can manage something, then that is the time to motivate yourself.  Even going out in the fresh air will help.  

I found when I was really low I had to push myself all the time.  I did voluntary work which helped a lot.  I did it for charities where people were worse off than me.  It helped a lot.  One thing I did, which is a bit drastic, was get a rescue dog.  He needed me, and he needed walks.  So every day I walked him, and the exercise and companionship helped.  I would keep my head down, and try not to talk to other people, b ut you know gradually I felt better and could talk "dogs" with other people.

I joined a local group which had classes.  I went to the library and browsed.  Anything to get me out even  though I had bad social phobia with the depression.  I really pushed myself when I could.  Not easy I know.  I* am not saying it is.  

I have been retired many years now, and as you say when not working there is a lot of time to waste doing not a lot.  Like you I spent a lot of time on computer, I did cross stitch, crosswords, read.  Now my hands have arthritis and I can hardly sew, and my eyesight is failing.  I had to give up driving.  But I get on a bus and in the summer I took lots of coach trips with a lady friend I met at senior classes.  I live in UK so maybe those sort of things are easier over here.  

I love my senior classes.  When I was really depressed I could not attend, but now I am feeling so much better, I look forward to meeting other people socially.  I have turned my life around.  I have always been honest with everyone about my depression, and have found a lot of support.  

I don't know your circumstances, and how depressed you are, so maybe what I did is impossible for you.  

Let us know how you get on.

[AO111]

Maybe part of my problem is I have way too much me time. I'm not working now and I don't get out of the house much so I spend a lot of my time sitting at the computer.

[CRSeaside]

Yes. Me too. Believe it, joining MedHelp is helping me get motivated. Pamela

[violet_genration98]

Hey: I have the exact same problem!
I'm currently in Year 11 and coursework is constantly nagging.
The way I found was to schedule definite ME time, which can help relax so you feel abit better. It's hard to explain how it happened for me but I'm abit better now....
I hope this helps:)