Lack of Motivation

[desiree294]

My depression is at a very weird stage right now to the point where I don't know what to do with myself. I just started on new medication (paxil) and am waiting for that to kick in. But that's just it... I'm waiting. I currently don't work so I have every single day to work on myself and try to get better so I can eventually work, but I have no motivation. Not one ounce of motivation to do anything. Everything is so pointless and boring to me such as reading and coloring. And everything else sounds like too much effort such as walking or cleaning. So I sit in bed because I literally don't know what to do with myself. I'm at a loss here people.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to some baby steps I can take to start to move in the right direction and spend some time out of bed?

[CPLogan]

Can you try to go out and take a walk? It was a lot for me but it was a baby step.

[desiree294 in reply to CPLogan]

Yes, I can physically try it. I just get anxious and self conscious about how others will look at me because I'd be walking in a fairly rural area on my own.

[Hidden]

Hi depression is a funny illness in which you don't have motivation to do anything so you have to do something first to get it. The worst thing you can do is stay in bed as this will only make you worse.

The best thing to do is to make yourself do things you used to enjoy. Ok not all of them but a few. Even if you don't enjoy them any more it's important you do them. Get yourself out of your bed every day even just to sit in a different room and watch telly, read a book, do the dishes etc. When you are feeling more up to it then go into your garden if you have one. Then move outside your home even just for 5 minutes. Keep doing it and build up to where you feel comfortable. You have to push yourself even if you don't feel like it.

Stay with us on here and we will help and support you all the way.

[CaptainCrunch]

Taking walks was a big help for me. Even if it is just around your house. I went through a season of just sitting and pulling weeds. Also just taking care of a plant. Or Do some origami and then leave them around town you can find how to's online. Those are just thoughts. Everything feels impossible. Just taking a bath is a goal you need to celebrate. Best wishes.

[menagerie11]

I agree with lilaclil and Captain Crunch. Taking walks, pulling weeds, taking care of a plant, shredding papers, organizing one small space in your house, or closet - all baby steps but the important thing is to do something, however small. Just try one little thing and then one more little thing.