Taking care of things

[Ruthy24]

I want to talk about having the motivation to do the things I need to... clean my house, work out at the gym (I'm a long way from doing that but I need to.), cook healthy meals, get out of the house, even driving seems too hard sometimes. I am on here to try to connect with some other people experiencing depression. Those who know what it is like to not want to get out of bed in the morning, and do anything. It all seems hard. I want to know how other people cope because sometimes I feel like I can't. But I do. We all do because we have to. What helps me is having a few friends I can visit with, going to the Senior Center for lunch some days and my small church group (although I haven't been going much lately).

Ruth 679

[012703060610]

You've certainly come to the right place. It can seem so frustrating to see lists of things you know you need to do, but you just can't get there. I am right there with you. I have some underlying physical issues that limit me.......but to be honest, if I were this depressed without physical issues, I would still be in the same mindset. I too have been isolating for a long time (two years). I try to plan things to get out only 1-2 times a week. I have a ton of Drs appointments, so managing this is difficult and sometimes I miss an appt when I basically just lost my mind about something else. Hardest part for me is trying to figure out how to rebuild some of my friendships. I don't know if I can or if I want to. I find I am over stimulated when my phone goes off for anything. I am so used to getting bad news on the phone or text messages, it has become its own trigger. I am only on LinkedIn and this site for social media. You say it best...we get out of bed because we have to. Then we slog through a day and hope it all goes ok and pray we get decent sleep. Yesterday was my big day out for the week. To have enough energy I had to sleep a good chunk of the weekend.....which I often do to catch up if I can. Made it to an eye exam (5 years over due and on my list for 2 years), Drs appt, family attorney for ongoing custody issues, then took all three kiddos to tennis practice. I am SHOT today and it is only 5:40AM. I will promptly be going back to bed when the kids leave for school. The never ending list of tasks is crazy.....! But we all know what we should be doing. Try not to stress too much. There was a post a few weeks ago about taking things minute by minute. There are certainly days like that happening! I do try to do some home breathing exercises as well as a daily 10 min low stress work out. Anyway, welcome and you will find lots of support!

[Ruthy24 in reply to 012703060610]

Thank you!

[LilyAnnepuppy]

I feel like a lazy slug most days. Getting out of bed is a big accomplishment. I do enjoy my mornings. And that’s when I need to get stuff done. But I often don’t because im satisfied just enjoying the lack of depressive thoughts.

I push myself to get a couple of things done everyday. And make myself feel grateful and proud for doing them.

You’re not alone. The lack of motivation is one of the symptoms of depression that I hate.

[Ruthy24]

Yes. It is terrible not feeling motivated to do things you need to. I cleaned the bathroom this morning, tub and all. That's something. But it is snowing and very windy so I'm not going out today. Thank you for your ideas and for telling me I'm not alone.

[CL3V3R-G1RL]

Definitely not alone here. Sometimes I get that way too. But I remind myself that this state isn't forever. I make my list of things to do And I try to do one thing. Like taking a shower and brushing my teeth. I make it a point to celebrate that. And see what else I can do. Then do another small thing. Even if I only do 3 things on my list...I celebrate it. Because that's 3 things I haven't been able to do yesterday. 🥳 Gotta celebrate the small victories!

[Rosepetal60 in reply to CL3V3R-G1RL]

Thank you for the reminder about doing 3 things. I used to aim for this last year.

[Ruthy24]

That's right! Celebrate the small victories!

[Midori]

Hi Ruth, I reckon almost all of us can identify with your feelings, and some of us can't even face going out!

Been there, try hard not to go back there, but it would be so easy to give in.

Cheers, Midori

[Ruthy24]

Yes. Thank you for reminding me that I don't want to go back there either.