How do you become motivated to do anything at all

[Ashleystruggles]

I am so lost. Everything that brings me joy now just lead me down a path full of sadness and everything seems to be tainted with comparison of people doing better than me. I can’t even read a fiction book without wishing I was something I’m not. I don’t know how to feel worthy of being anyone. I’m drowning in my school assignments I can’t even find the motivation to take a shower. I compare myself to myself just a year ago hardly ever behind. The pressure is too much. I can’t escape it and somehow I still find the time to tell myself that my problems aren’t that bad and there are so many other people who have it worse off. I just want to feel happiness that isn’t followed by the anxiety of all the school work I should be doing. Opening up is very difficult for me and every part of me revolts at the thought of getting a therapist . Taking the time to let my brokenness show makes my stomach churn. I keep telling myself it shouldn’t be that hard to just get back to where I was a year ago. I pray I find peace because my heart hurts so freaking bad. I know I should tell my teachers that I’m not doing well but just the thought of sharing the tiniest details about my pain make my anxiety skyrocket. I don’t know what I’m hoping for by posting this but at least I’m trying. I just want wall my problems to go away at the snap of a finger. It seems to be the only solution for me.

[hurtingheart1]

I’m soo sorry i really feel for you I’m going through a lot of sadness myself !! 💞💞

[Ilovesalmon in reply to hurtingheart1]

Be encouraged hurting heart. I like to color when I feel sad. I purchase coloring books where I color in small areas of the picture. It makes me happy to see what I can do and it helps me to take my mind off of my emotions.

[hurtingheart1 in reply to Ilovesalmon]

Thank you that’s very sweet of you to reply & yes I was thinking I need to find some things like that to get my mind off sadness maybe hobbies I can get more into & art so I’m gonna try. ☺️ thank you

[swordfishll in reply to Ilovesalmon]

Somewhere I got a connect the dots book of sexual positions, I use colored pencils and it always makes me laugh to see the final position, um picture 😂

How about animal videos and funny things? I’m sorry you’re hurting.

[BlueSky125]

One question to consider is where your source of motivation has been coming from. There are two gernal types of motivation.

Intrinsic motivation comes from within while extrinsic motivation arises from external factors. When you are intrinsically motivated, you engage in an activity because you enjoy it and get personal satisfaction from doing it. When you are extrinsically motivated, you do something in order to gain an external reward

[Ilovesalmon]

Hi Ashley, please be encouraged. I know that things seem overwhelming right now but there are better days ahead. Just try to bit off the elephant one bit at a time. As for your school work, it truly can be overwhelming and frustrating. Take a step back and digest the situation. There's no need to put pressure on yourself. It's not going to help you get a graduate any sooner, attain a job any quicker or become a millionaire over night. Try to slow your pace a little. Take a step back and take in the things that will put a smile on your face. When you get ready to finally tackle those assignments, grab a snicker bar and enjoy it while studying or completing your assignment. That makes it more gratifying and you won't be so focused or frustrated. My prayers are with you my friend. Hang in there

[Emmascarlett10]

Try to take things bit by bit. Before you go to bed at night perhaps write down two things that you will do first thing in the morning and leave it somewhere you will see it when you wake up. It is harder to talk ourselves out of things if we have made ourselves a promise and written it down. It might be to write one paragraph of the assignment and then carry on tomorrow. Chances are you may well end up writing more than a paragraph once you get into it, but if you don't then its completely fine to stop and shut the laptop until tomorrow. Have a look at 'Every Mind Matters' you can answer questions and create a personalised plan on your mental health and wellbeing, and also 'Side by Side by Mind' is an online peer support group where you can connect with others. Similar to this. Try to find something that brings you joy, a hot bath, a good film, a stroll, a magazine. Anything that brings you a slight bit of relief is good. And try to talk to a friend about how you're feeling, it takes a lot more courage to speak up than to stay silent. Take care.

[Hidden]

Welcome to the group

I see u struggle with accepting who you are. That is not a problem, the problem tho is that u are overcomparing

ursf. Comparing oneself is not bad in a way if it helps you grow but if it pulls u down, then it is not good. Depression feeds on positiveness. U can not fight it on your own and since u have realized that it is highly affecting you, do something about it. Try a therapist, speak to someone who can make things happen. I know depression has the power to cause laziness to some but you need to try. Sometimes we need to push ourselves and I hope you can retrace ursteps and start where u left off things. You have the power to do that since u are still young. We are here for you and hope we can be of help to u. Welcome again to the group

[MSU71]

I'm so sorry for all you are experiencing right now. It wasn't too long ago that I was in that same dark place. I would like to ask you to think a little more about reaching out for help......to a teacher or a counselor, minister.....someone. I know how scary it is. But, YOU are worth taking that step for...........sending you positive thoughts and the energy to take care of you.

[mdowning81]

I agree with Emma about the list of goals. I am in the middle of a major depression and am having a horrible time getting motivated. Each night I come up with a list of achievable goals for the next day. I try to have things on the list that are both responsibilities and some things that used to give me enjoyment. This was an idea that my therapist gave because if I didn't I would wake up in the morning and say "what should I do today" and I'd come up with absolutely nothing or I'd just push things off. When I put it on a list I can just pick something off list and when its done I get to put a check mark next to it, which is satisfying. I started doing this about three weeks ago and my initial list was literally get out of bed, clip my fingernails, and listen to music I like for 20 minutes. Over the days the list has grown and today's list includes showering, shoveling the snow, taking out the garbage, starting to clean the basement, going to the Dr, yoga, doing a craft, and doing some reading. It literally has been baby steps day by day to get to this point and I have not enjoyed all of it and some days I dont enjoy any of it but it gives me hope. Another trick to help this process is to try not to focus on things that you aren't doing, at first I would accomplish my goals but all my depressed mind would think about were all the things I didn't do. Now I just try to focus on the things I have accomplished and tell myself in time I will get back to doing all the things I once did.

[pam4him]

You sound overwhelmed, and there are plenty of reasons in the world right now. However, you can do this with a little planning. Set a timer for 1 hour to do schoolwork, however far you can get in that 1 hour. Then take a 15 minute break - like a walk, some yoga, meditation, listen to music, etc. This can clear your mind and help you relax. Then go for another hour, then another break. Do about 4-5 hours this way, then take lunch for 1 hour. If you're doing ok, try another couple of rounds. Or split it up and do 2-3 hrs in the morning and 2-3 in the afternoon. You may find the stamina to continue for longer. If so adjust the timer to 1 hr 5 mins. In a few days, maybe up it to 1 hr 10 mins, then 1 hr 15 mins, etc. I would suggest the longest time be 1hr 30 mins. A lot of progress can be made in that time. It just takes you being committed to the timer and focusing on what's in front of you. Prayers for focus, strength and peace.