Lack of motivation

[bec3487]

Hi,

My name's Bec and I have had depression for about 3yrs now. After just recently going through a bad patch I am now getting  better and feeling more my usual self. However one thing I struggle with is motivation, its so easy to just sit and watch TV all day. I have a job and study, which I love both but I cant seem to get motivated to work or attend class, even little things I enjoy doing like going for a walk seem like such an effort.

Anyone got any advice on how to get motivated and keep motivated to do things?

Thanks 🙂

[Neil_1]

Hi there Bec

Thanx so much for coming here and providing this post and also welcome to Beyond Blue.

The old motivation issue is a biggie amongst depression sufferers.  On this site, within this actual area you might be able to see a couple of posts that are subject with:  SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING DEPRESSION.    These may help with providing you with some hints or tips on this subject.

Also it is great to hear that you enjoy both your job and your study.  This is not always the case with we sufferers, so that’s a huge bonus to hear that.  And both of those are so important as well, as they both are great sources for keeping the mind occupied and busy.

I hope this has helped you out a little and please, it’s always great to hear back from first time posters.

Kind regards

Neil

[TheSteve]

Hi Bec,

Thanks for sharing. Neil offers some great advice and facts. If I could add to this, I would say that sometimes our expectations of feeling or thinking a certain way can actually bring us sadness if we don't live up to them. The gap between our expectations and our reality often reflects our level of disappointment or sadness.

Something as simple as just accepting that some days, we will have a lack of motivation AND it is perfectly normal, will make us feel better. To be honest, between Monday and Friday I will typically go from feeling annoyed that I have to go to work, to excited about the week and opportunities ahead, to nervous about certain projects I am involved with, to anxiety in anticipating the outcome of certain events, to boldness and pride with my achievements, and to relief that the week is over!!! I have learned not to attach to any of these states of being as I now know they are all temporary and will transform, and that they are all normal and I can function through them with an even keel. This is a skill that takes time to develop, however, my feelings are what they are. I felt very unmotivated today, but that is ok, some days are like that.

Try accepting your day to day state, but acknowledge that no matter how you feel, you will simply kick on and do the best with the day ahead of you, whatever it may bring. If you are sad today, be sad. If you are happy, be happy. If you are serious, be serious. But always know that however you feel, will change. And that is ok.

All the best.

Steve