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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Motivation and the Lack Thereof

AlmigtyTarbaggan
AlmigtyTarbaggan

The biggest way depression shows up in my life is a comlete lack of motivation.  It seriously sucks it all out of me.  Getting started on anything these days is like trying to ride a 21-speed bike up a hill... in 21st gear.  I remember the last time I was on meds (Lexapro), it helped a lot with getting things started, but honestly, initiatiave is probably never my strong suit.  Once I get going, I can't stop, but I've been off my meds since January 2017 (medically supervised) and I can tell you that I am feeling like a slug again.  Then it spins.  Depression kills motivation, but then lost motivation (and the self-sabotage that comes with it) kills my depression.  In my single days, I ate out almost every day because (1), I was too unmotivated to cook and (2), I genuinely wouldn't open my mouth to speak to another human otherwise.  

I manage to keep going in my job and the thigns that are life and death (or the things that keep food on the table), but I shut down without structure and always have.  Anyone elase deal with this?

catch_the_music
catch_the_music
Life can be hard at times. We can lose all of our momentum during that period. You mentioned structure. Structure and schedule keeps a lot of us on track. Other than work, what activities are you involved in? Do you exercise, work around the house, belong to a group or have a hobby or other recreation? Maybe join a group that does activities that you enjoy. Surround yourself with some positive people - people who can help you focus on the good things in life. Also, you should check with a counselor or pastor to help you stay motivated. Focus on the Family has a great counselor referral list if you need. Check out their website or give them a call. God Bless and Prayers for your situation!
shortnbald
shortnbald
Often my motivation to do things is knowing I find distractions. The worst thing is when I give my mind time to wander. Lately I wax my car a lot. Usually once a week. I also watch a lot of thing on YouTube. I also do things knowing that if I don't do them I will feel even worse than I already do. I exercise a little almost everyday for about 15 minutes, and I try to keep from snacking. I think having hobbies are good but it is even better if you do something that is meaningful to you.
AlmigtyTarbaggan
AlmigtyTarbaggan
Hi. I know it's been a while, but thanks for the replies. Between life, work, and health, there's a lot to update:

First, since posting this, I'm getting counseling. I've learned that finding one you click with can be tricky, but I'm happy to say that I've finally found one that I seem to be really comfortable with and am clicking with. I'm working through a lot. Impostor syndrome, deep seeded resentment toward my father (and the fallout from that), and actively working on trying to separate what my mind knows to be true vs what my broken emotions tell me are true.

The road is long, but this has been a good step. One of the biggest pieces of advice I've been given is to "fill my own tank." It comes in the form of finding time for the things I enjoy. This has been hard because with my wife's current health state, Iv'e been an at-home caretaker and that wears thin on anyone. She's actually the one who encouraged me to get out more and do things. I even went and saw Star Wars by myself (I used to go see movies alone all the time in my single days and actually really enjoyed doing that). I went out of town to a professional conference back in November, and met up with a cousin whom I haven't spent time with in years.

I am learning, sowly.