Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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how do you do it?

DepressedRecluse
DepressedRecluse
how do you find the energy or the motivation to do the things you have to do...I know what I need to do...but I cant find the energy or strength to do it...WHY?

I spend my days thinking...i really need to do this...or I really need to do that...but I can't get up and just do it!...why....the things i have to do are not hard...there not fun, but there not hard...I mean really...it's a simple as taking a shower...i can't even find the energy to do THAT!...much less wash the dishes...or clean the bathroom...or put up the laundry...and don't even talk about doing the laundry...I can't even go to the corner store for my husband or for myself!!!

here I am again telling myself and you that I need to do all these things but I know when i get up tomorrow morning I'm just not going to want to do it...I'm already dreading the fact that I need to go to a recovery meeting tomorrow night...i don't eat cause I don't want to fix anything... UGH...this is so frustrating!!!

please help me by telling me how you do it?

thanks.
charliegirl29
charliegirl29
I don't know. I got that way a long time ago and made myself a promise not to let it bring me that far down and I know no-one else is going to do what needs to be done by me. I'm a little bit ocd too so it bothers me if things are not in order. The energy thing is tricky. Because a lot of times I have little energy and I don't want to do anything but I know I have to do it so I make myself do it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Have you thought of trying an over counter medication for depression just to start off with? Or if your already on meds from your dr maybe it's time to change. Hang in there!
deleted_user
deleted_user
IN this condition, I found it necessary to become willing. I prayed for willingness to be willing. The answer I got was a rather simple directive from somewhere to do just one simple thing that needed doing. I did not feel better again for MONTHS! But I did start to do a series of "next right things". Pretty soon, I was too busy to notice how depressed I was. One morning I woke up, and was happy to see the new day. I am only sharing my own experience, and I am not saying it could be yours. But if there is anything you think you can use out of all this, then take it for free. I got a lot of help from the community on ds, and I try to give back if I am able.
deleted_user
deleted_user
"Depressed" is this the only support you have? or do you see a doctor, I know you mentioned a recovery group. It wouldn't hurt to look into so cognitive therapy or antidepressants. "BobCJ" has some good ideals but everyone is different and you can only find what works for you. I agree I have found support on DS maybe just venting/talking my help a lil bit. I know it won't help your energy level. Good Luck and I hope you feel better keep you head held high and remember you are special.
deleted_user
deleted_user
What you're talking about is common for depression. I know I have the same problem. I know I need to clean the apartment, but I just don't have the energy to do it, and if I try, I end up taking a nap instead, which messes up my sleep schedule for the rest of the week. I remember hearing about the "spoon analogy" years ago, I think it was formulated for lupus, but it fits depression so well too. You only have so many spoons of energy for any one day, and once your energy is done, so are you. You can borrow from tomorrow's spoon's but then you don't have them tomorrow. I just do what I can every day and deal with what needs to be done when I have the energy to deal with it. I try talking to my pdoc but she doesn't really hear what I'm saying. I hear your frustration, and totally understand where you're coming from. I hope you are able to find some solution that works for you.

Annie
koolman
koolman
By making time for the things I WANT to do. The things I HAVE to do are necessary evils, and, as you said, not fun.
koolman
koolman
Also, by telling myself "why do today what I can put off 'til tomorrow? Who cares if the laundry piles up one more day?" But I'm single, and live alone. I don't have other people depending on me everyday, except those who require me to show up for work, which I do.

When I visit my folks, though, I help out. I take out the trash, I help do the dishes. Maybe the kids or hubby could help you a little bit?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I exercise. If I exercise daily, I get residual energy out of nowhere. It's not an intense energy. It's like an awake, precise energy. Not to mention, I am able to think more clearly and more positively. The positive thoughts seem to help me move along, as well. But, the key is to do the exercising. I really notice a difference if I have not exercised.
RaeFx
RaeFx
I read a book called "The Survivors Club" by Ben Sherwood.

This book was a turning point for me in my quest for healing. Now, I am not into self help books, and this is not like that at all. But this book helped me to dig deep and find my resilience and I conquered my PTSD.

xxx
Juice
Juice
I can offer you a practical suggestion that works for me. It needs you to be complicit with a little brain-trickery, but I find it works more than it fails.

I write a really detailed list. I include everything, such as "vacuum the hall, vacuum the lounge, vacuum the dining room, chuck out mouldy food from the fridge" and when I've done them I tick each one off. At the end of the day I look at the ticks and I feel I've achieved something.

I know what it's like to feel so sapped of energy it takes a gargantuan effort just to get out of bed. On days like that I get a tick just for having a pee!