Help me be passionate again, I spend my days being depressed, tired, and miserable and I want to change that, I'm trying my best to motivate myself because to be honest no one will do it for me. I don't have anyone, I'm lonely. Even the things i used to love seems so boring now, i get that i should find a new hobby or things to do but I don't have the motivation. Even the products of my hobbies like paintings, I don't feel good enough about it, I hate every bit of the result of my hobbies. How can I be interested in life again?
How can I be interested in life again? - Anxiety and Depre...
How can I be interested in life again?
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sadwaffle
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34 Replies
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So uncanny...I was feeling this way the past month or so. It's pretty awful and oh so debilitating. You're a painter as well? Trust me when I tell you how frustrating it can be trying to create something and hating every bit of it. Every artist is their worst critic. It's the pits for sure.
I can sympathize with you feeling lonely and alone. You get to the point where you feel so numb and exhausted from trying to just survive that you want those feelings to stop. What I found that has helped me was seeking therapy (again). The idea that I was making an effort to change things motivated me a bit, so perhaps that could be an answer for you as well. Also, joining this site I am sure will help as well. Thank you for sharing this with everyone, I know that isn't always an easy thing to do either.
sadwaffle• in reply to
I feel exactly like that, hating every bit of my paintings, lonely, yeah very awful, i know it's not a good thing that someone feel the same because these feelings are awful for someone else to experience, but somehow it comforted me that someone else feel the same or at least went through it, thank you for sharing it, I considered seeing a professional but i always thought that if i can still handle this maybe I shouldn't seek for therapy, I'm thriving and still trying to motivate myself, but maybe i will go for it when i'm finally ready, thank you
• in reply tosadwaffle
Yes...I dislike knowing others feel this way too. It's absolutely terrible, so I am so sorry you're dealing with this right now. But I'm oddly glad you said that; you clearly have a good heart and lots of empathy. Such a beautiful quality to have. I think that's why this site will truly benefit you, you'll feel a lot less alone by speaking out.
I can really sympathize with you there. There were times I thought I could just tough it out and work through, but you eventually burn yourself out. However, you know yourself better than anyone, so if you feel therapy is an option, you'll make the moves to do it. Whatever you end up deciding, I hope it works out for you.
I would love to see your artwork someday by the way.
sadwaffle• in reply to
oh that's very kind of you to say that to me so thank you, joining this site did help me little by little, I'm starting to open up to people unlike the way I used to, I was so closed before.
like i said i dont feel good about my artworks but I hope I'll get through this with the help of this site and you and people around here, but I also want to see your artworks too someday
• in reply tosadwaffle
That's a wonderful step in the right direction. You're making progress already, see? It takes a lot of guts to talk about this to total strangers, so good on you for being so honest. I appreciate that you're not shying away from it, so keep up the good work.
Absolutely, I understand. Just take it one day at a time. There will be a lull for now, but it won't last forever. Just accepting that it's OK for now is a good start. Just don't allow yourself to believe you'll never be happy doing art again. It does come back to you and you'll love it all over again. Yes, I will gladly share my art with you 
I feel this way on and off, as I get symptoms of depression tied to my anxiety, I think. And because I'm anxious, I then *worry* about the loss of interest, which of course only digs me deeper.
So for me I try to really remind myself that I *do* still have interest in things, but the anxiety/depression is just temporarily covering it up. Obviously you're still dealing with the lack of interest then, but at least you're not being scared or too guilty about it.
After recognizing that, I usually do the old "fake it til you make it" and generally the feelings and interest does come back, for me. Sometimes it takes awhile, though. Regarding motivation, I feel for you. Things usually go better when we are generally motivated and interested, but sometimes faking it is our best option.
I forced myself to start taking piano lessons, even though I really didn't think I'd care about it at all. But I've been surprised by the satisfaction I've gotten from it. I voluntarily sit down to practice most nights.
Faking it until you realized it's not fake anymore, maybe i did one of this but i wasn't aware of doing it, like forcing myself to grab a pencil even though i don't feel like it but once i get to used to "Forcing" myself I realized it's not force anymore, It happened sometimes but now that i became aware of it because you said it maybe that's what i should do.
Right now I'm bored, tired, and yeah no interest in anything, I'm not happy doing the things i loved anymore, I hope i'll get through this, and I'll try your advice, thank you
Story of my life. Just have to keep on going on. Life is ever changing.
Do you like studio ghibli movies? I always find those very inspiring.
sadwaffle• in reply to
Oh yes I'm a fan of Ghibli it gives me inspiration and it's very nostalgic, I have movies of it, now that you mentioned it maybe I'll try and watch it again, Hope that'll motivate me in some ways thank you
• in reply tosadwaffle
No problem. Those movies have really helped me out of some slumps in life. They're just so uplifting.
• in reply to
Thank you someone! I didn’t know about ghibli movies. I just watched 'Out of Sight’. Absolutely enchanting and perfect to watch if you’re in a dark place.
I learned one thing in my life : to be a true artist you need to feel a lot. To feel the words as a writer and the pain of the colour as a painter. It’s so hard but in the end it’s what
Makes you different from others. Of course you would doubt your own art because you’re different and need to feel approved; but most real artists were accepted from the begging. As a first, you need to accept who you are, embrace all the god need and uniqueness you have in you and all the common place you have with others. Be interested first in what you’re doing and try to do it no matter what, that’s you’re first interest and if you put all your feelings into paintings, you will release your energy and emotions and make a balance to see others too near you and give them what they deserve. I’m not a specialist, but as a friend I’m embracing you and I hope you will do something to grow and let others see your work in a gallery one day. 🤗🤗🤗
This is uplifting, all of what you guys said is motivating me in some ways, so thank you.
It did inspire me about what you said, Although I'm still trying "love" my works and to be honest it's very difficult, embracing my uniqueness is a hard thing to do when I think I'm not good enough and hopefully I'll pass through this, but those comments truly touched me thank you.
I was there and I understand. Give it time and never let your talent out of your hand. There is space for everyone in this world; for you and for your work. You shouldn’t have the same art as others. That makes you different and enjoyable. But that’s the same reason it makes you doubting yourself.
The answer is simply, stop thinking of you. Start to think to others, how can you help them. Or you can take a dog and take care of him. Once we think of our self we realize what miserable is this life, and indeed it is. But our goal should be to help others, children, elderly people, etc.
Music is a good way to rewire your brain, begin a quest to create a new playlist of new songs you've never heard before, can be of the genre's you already love, just a fresh coat of paint so to speak.
You are me! I joined a couple days ago to spout as I understand the only one to "fix" me, is me! I need to be Accountable to myself and what i do (or don't do). I need to push myself to eat healthier since our food choices can deter healing. (Im a sugar carb person)
I need to push myself to get out of my chair + Get Things Done! I started writing down what I have accomplished each day as I Am trying to improve myself.
UGH, it's frustrating!
Start small with little walks, doing chores and let us know what you've done for the day.
I can understand your artistic talents being blunted when you feel like this. Whay do yoy like to paint? Perhaps a walk in a park or along a beach would be good exercise. No need to paint but absorb all the feelings as you intently look at your surroundings. Enjoy the smell, touch and colors of what is around you. Let your vision be the canvas and your eyes the brush.
Push fwd and tell me (us) what you accomplished today. You can do it!
I'll try, thank you so much, this boost me up a lil
Sorry that you're feeling that way I have been there for many many years by I finally have found my way out of the depression and I 57 I am finally happy and free from my past I don't know if you've ever reading my post but anyway long story short I've been mentally ill with anorexia since age of 14 40 years that life horrible life anorexia is terrible and I'm almost died many times throughout this 40 years 7 years ago I check myself into Outpatient Treatment and I still go every 3 months so they tell me that 10% of my recovery was psychiatric care and therapy the other 90% was me the will to live to fight the battle against anorexia and I have one I will daily recover but I have learned to fight back against the eating disorder and the power they had over me for so long and I'm a true Soldier I have been in that hole with depression No Way Out no motivation I have been there I do suffer from post-traumatic stress after the reason why I even became ill at the age of 14 because of one person my father he's gone out of my life dead in fact of natural causes but I wake up everyday thankful that I'm alive and I have a new life I started a new change and I'm doing well I just shared this with you to let you know if anybody income through what I did after being sick for so long I would think anybody can anybody can you need help you know support whatever kind of help you need to get through your dark hole I'm an artist as well didn't even know I had the ability to draw until 10 years ago when I was 47 and now I've gotten first place and events and I guess I filled but they had until it has finally shown and I'm glad that I I'm proud of my artwork because it took me so long to realize that I had that my illness took away my life you can bet anytime you want because that's what we're here for to help one another keep searching for the light searching for the light sweetie love you and be strong and stand up against oppression stand up against that that tunnel that you're in and say I will find the way and defeat the enemy of the Mind
I'm sorry for what you've been through, at a very young age it must've been so hard to suffer all through that long journey, but now here you are doing ok at least better than it was before and inspiring people like me. this site really did helped me because of you guys, I can't say I can recover fast but I'm getting there hopefully, I admire you for defeating those battles truly thank you. We'll get through this, all of us.
I went though the same things a few years ago. I accepted my depression & loneliness actually embraced it. I started to take care of myself, getting up in the morning, got dressed then went walking. Made sure I ate certain times of the day. It was hard at first but it got better. I spent time getting to know me and not worry about the loneliness. I try to something every day even if it is just a short drive & listen to music. I am still alone but not lonely. Right now, I am enjoying a cup of coffee sitting on the porch & listening to the birds sing. I will be praying for you.
thank you, it's very hard to deal with being lonely and i admire you for embracing it and turning it into something good, for taking care of yourself, I still have a hard time taking care of myself, because i worry a lot that i don't even deserve to be taken care of, I hope I'll end up with your current situation, enjoying your own company, and like you said alone but not lonely, thank you I'll fight my way out through this.
Reading some of the replies to your post, you sound like a very caring & loving person. Please take care of yourself, I will be praying for you.
I was just talking about this yesterday actually. I enjoy painting as well and never can find the time for it. Would you ever feel comfortable showing us some of your art? Also, I know that the endorphins from exercise can help tremendously- as well as standing in the direct sunlight helps my mind. Just lifting my face to the sun and soaking it in with my eyes closed... And no, I don't do these things nearly enough! You are not alone, my friend.
I'm not confident enough to show my artworks because i always feel like i'm not good enough, I have a really low self-esteem and self worth issues, I haven't try exercising because i feel tired all the time even though I haven't done anything that exhausting, but maybe I'll try, I'm so glad that i get support from people like you, on this site because i really don't get support at all not even from family and friends. so thank you so much and yes you too are not alone, we're all here to support each other
I completely relate to the being too tired to exercise. Depression can zap your energy for sure! It’s so hard to get above water, let alone keep my head above it. I have a hard time starting slow. I either want to spend what little down time I have sleeping- or I want to get myself pumped up and hit the gym for two hours (which I haven’t done in a couple years now...) Things like going for a short walk at night are hard for me to remember to do or believe they’re helping. But I think it would be good for both of us...and I agree. Support from this site is very helpful!
Me too! I volunteer at a hospital and haven’t felt like going in! No ambition , my house is a disaster and have not felt like cooking! Don’t know how my husband puts up with me!
I probably should never have married but I have 3 wonderful girls and 4 grandsons! One of my grandsons has mild depression! My depression and anxiety gets bad at times! Some days I want to stay in bed! Anyone else want to stay in bed? A good escape from reality!
I don't know whether to respond to you or the others who have also responded to your posts. I can't say I understand what you are going through as I am not you, but I'll tell you this. I do understand the feeling of loneliness, lack of support, depression, exhaustion. The feeling of utter lack of ability to function, let alone think or get out of bed. We all get depressed, even those people who seem to have everything and do everything get down and depressed. The key to fighting it is by telling it that you are not going to allow it to defeat you. You are stronger! You are better! You ARE worth it!. It may not feel like it a lot of the time but you are. Look at all you have typed thus far. Yes, it may just feel like a moan to you at the moment. But sometimes the moan is just the start.
In regards to your art, Art is in the eyes of the beholder. Have you ever gone on youtube and watched 'thebrightside' they have a video about images that are seen differently by different people. like the hare that if turned round looks like a duck. Or the old lady who also looks like a young lady. It's all a matter of perspective.
Your art is a part of you. because you feel yourself to be worthless, you deem your art to be worthless. So the art isn't the issue here. If you do not like to look at it, ...lock it up in another room so you don't have to come across it every day. Or (even better) sign it and put it up on ebay. If someone buys it, ...brilliant! If not, what have you lost? They can't see you, so no-one can judge you. We want to see your work because even the idea of an artist makes all of us excited. And your work does not have to be spectacular to be accepted or liked. A piece of artwork that causes someone hate and resentment is still art. As long as it isn't offensive then such strong emotions truly indicate that the work has touched the viewer, or how else could they feel so passionate about it. Negative passion, yes, ...but still passion.
Do you see. You still have it in you, ...it is just from a different angle.
If you want inspiration here are some ideas. Forgive me if i'm repeating others, I just want I in a nice list for you.
1. Read it all and do: lie on your bed and close your eyes, ..do you see the colours dancing across your eyes like dragons and clouds. Now without opening your eyes, lift your eyebrows and watch the colours changing. Isn't it amazing how your eyelids and the density of the blood cells their in can cause such a range of colour, shape, mood and feeling? Now open your eyes, what do you see. Draw a sketch of the first thing you see.
2. Look at the things in your house, the various angles and shapes, the art you are surrounded by. the animals and plants trough your window(s), the patterns on the bed sheets, the moon in the sky and how it casts light and shadows. the same about the sun. The change in light intensity. See it, ponder it, think of how truly amazing the world is and all that is around us. All the things man has been given the ability to do, create, see. Inspire!
3. Genre, and medium. I have no idea your genre/ medium, but be flexible. Just because you used say, oil paints before, try pastels today, or charcoal tomorrow. Maybe you like scenery, maybe sculpture, maybe have a scrapbook day. Tare out pages, items, colours from a magazine to inspire ideas. Collage, pottery, Paint a wall in your house full of trees and birds. I don't know what your into. But you are an ARTIST. Let the world flow through you. write poetry, read poetry. Look at pictures, art, photo's, images online. Go to a gallery or a museum. Listen to rock/ classical music. 80's ballads or 90's pop. their is so much to see.
Even a raindrop has the potential to refract light into the myriad of colours that makes a rainbow. What can you do?! ...You can do anything!
Oh, ...and that person who talked about helping others. It's a known fact that when you help someone else, you automatically feel good on the inside. Maybe if you do that, ...volunteer somewhere, you will find inspiration and help others at the same time! How amazing would that be!
Good luck
this really is amazing thank you for this, for the effort and encouragement i truly appreciate it. I know i didn't provide much words into what i'm feeling but I'm still starting to open up and this site is helping me.
And yeah i did watched some videos on thebrightside on youtube i remember it did inspired me back then but i haven't really watch anything from them in a while but I'm gonna watch some of it because you told me to so thank you.
And the tips you provided to inspire me/other people with much effort, I'm gonna give it a try and i think it will really boost me up and I'm sure for anybody who's experiencing what i experience will find it helpful too thank you so much for it, I'll give my best to get out of this situation.
I'm proud of you already. Keep us posted and help others on this site if you can, ...it all adds up to a healthier, happier, more successful You!
Am sorry to hear of what you are struggling with. I understand how it feels. You are not alone. I know how the feeling of not interested in anything around our life can be overpowering sometimes. Maybe you have to try new things or project if what you are have been doing seems boring now. When I begin to lose interest in, I turn to ask myself If I could start my life over, what would I be doing each day. How would the best version of me look, act and feel on a day to day basis? Whatever I desire will be my project. It could be joining a cooking group, learning an instrument or joining an activity group. The product of your hobbies is still amazing as it uses to be. Its looks boring now so because of the way you are feeling right now. Its temporary. The feeling will change with time. Stay positive
Depression is very hard to manage, I understand how you feel. I used to always be so happy, I never let any guy bring me down or make me feel like I dont exist, now i complete opposite. Its hard to find meaning in life when you do not have energy or desire to do anything. Have you tried to go for long walks? Maybe ride a bike somewhere, go for a long drive to the country and just listen to happy music. That seems to help me a lot. Writing about it has also helped me. Praying helps bring peace to me. Talking to friends helps too. Let me know how you are doing.
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