The paradox of self evaluation

[ziggypiggy]

I struggle to self evaluate my mental health on a day to day basis. It's literally driving me insane.

My therapist has a consistent message for me. Do what you are capable of each day and also dont be hard on yourself if you dont meet your expectations.

This is the struggle. How do I know if I did my best? Some days just barely getting out of bed to feed myself is not uncommon. Is this the best my current mental condition with allow, or am I just wallowing in my maladaptive coping mechanisms for comfort.

If I'm more of the latter, should I still be nice to myself even though my behavior is not in my best interest?

That's the problem with severe depression. The symptoms mimic what others would call laziness, apathy, lethargy and self pity.

I feel like it's a no win situation because I can't tell the difference. So I tend to just be hard on myself no matter what I may accomplish each day. This just perpetuates the cycle, but It seems wrong to not be hard on myself when productivity is near zero for days at a time. It's so easy to make the argument that if I just pushed myself more I could have done more.

Everyone's mental health is unique to them so there is no general guideline to rely on.

[Roxylox]

I would say congratulate yourself for even the smallest achievement.

It may seem like a small achievement, but if it is a day you are feeling low it might take monumental effort, celebrate that!

I think it can sometimes be counter-productive to push yourself too hard when you don't feel up to it

As regards getting up or out of bed, somebody told me move the body first, and the mind will follow. Make that physical movement first.

That worked for me but as you say, we are all different.

[samack]

You ask a really good question. Its something I ask myself daily. I like Roxylox's answer but feel like I'm failing myself. Physical movement, is a good start. But damn, every Sunday I can't get out of pajamas and have the lowest of days. I wish you the best Ziggyp. One day we'll break through.