How do I find motivation when I'm depressed?

[MsKnitter]

I am currently in college and I've found it difficult to complete my coursework. The longer I put it off, the higher my anxiety climbs. I'm in this never-ending cycle of self defeat. Does anyone have any ideas that may help? Thanks

[optimismrus]

When I started teaching middle school, I was having a hard time focusing on one thing or another. I'd start one project, walk across the room and see something I needed to do, and then read a student's paper and go off on another thing. Needless to say it was getting annoying. I went to the doctor who thought I was in perimenapause. She prescribed a low dose anti depressant and it really helped! I hope you find your solution soon. 🥰

[Thural]

You may need professionals help. Possibly you may need Talk therapy. Talk therapy helped my daughter to complete her medicine education. The therapist who was treating her gone to a different place and she is not listening to us to seek some other therapist help. The anxiety is coming back in cycles to her. Hence choose a good Talk therapist and stick on with them for quit some time so that you are habituated for a good life Nothing wrong in using crutches when one is unable to walk. Of course you can stop using once you are able to walk on your own. I hope my input helps. All the best friend.

[Desperate4Happiness]

Are you working with a therapist? If so, you could discuss what meds might help to provide you with a bit more energy that could help you stay focused. Also, creating a daily task list, divided into hours or blocks of the day might help.

[Windsorgardener5087]

Its good that you know you are not going as well as you could be. As a student you are able to access a student access program or SAP for short.The SAP offers free confidential support based on your needs. It's really about doing the hardest thing, making that first appointment.

All the best with your studies 🐈‍⬛

[jjpeabody]

Hi MsKnitter, I see you're 45 years old, I also went back to college at around 40 and it highlighted the need to me to stay focused on your goal of graduating and not let negative thoughts like why am I doing this or is it the right thing to do, creep in causing anxiety and depression. I recently took a tax course but signed up kind of late in the year for it so I am having to work hard with it every day, it's hard and tiring. However, I am very pleasantly surprised how staying focused and taking action has decreased my worry and anxiety noticeably and I feel proud of my effort. Commit, focus, and act. But only you can decide if it's right. Good luck.

[catsrock]

Can you break the work down into really small chunks? And just tell yourself - I'll work on this for 5 minutes (or whatever sounds doable, maybe even set a timer)? Sometimes it's just getting started and doing any of it that will get you over the anxiety.

[PenguinQueen44]

MsKnitter.....I had a hard time focusing on my school work and getting assignments done too. Then I learned tricks to make it easier...if it is a topic that you are not fond of then....try to make it interesting for you. After an hour of work, give yourself a reward.

Try to find the fun in the work you do...see your goals and take them one step at a time.

Homework can be fun when you try.....make yourself a homework corner to help you think your best ideas.

Organize your time so that you can get to your work.

Everyone has a trick to get themselves focused l...find yours and you will fly....anxiety is a beast that just needs a firm hand.

You can do this!!!!

I help others find their best way to study... if you need help... message back and I can see about helping you find your studying bliss.

[Sqlguy]

A very common symptom of depression is lack of physical and mental energy, and the inability to motivate yourself to do anything, even the laundry. It seems like you are thinking your inability to motivate yourself is causing your depression and anxiety, when it is possible it is the exact reverse, you are depresssed and cannot get any motivation up. If it continues or gets worse, maybe consider talking to a therapist or a psychiatrist.

[Inspire12]

Talk to the doctor. I had to try 10 different medications for OCD/anxiety over the course of 20 years and now I feel the current medication is much better. Depression is same. You need to find the right medication. Note that you will find a right medication or other therapies eventually. It just takes time.