Hi Julz,
2016 sounds like it was a really big year for you with a positive lifestyle overhaul. Things seemed very “on track” that year, and I feel you’re understandably looking back fondly on that year...
I feel things have changed drastically since, and you’re clearly struggling. You sound exhausted and perhaps feeling deflated.
I feel motivation can be an enormous hurdle when there are mental health issues. Sometimes, I think it’s hard to find the drive to push ourselves to do something...I can relate...
Plus the family struggles and work pressures must all be making everything that much more difficult too...
I have some suggestions for motivation, which may or may not be helpful but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to share them. You can see if you like them or not...
On the exercise front, I know it’s so cliched but a lot of people say putting things in writing helps (e.g. a weekly schedule) to help get on top of it.
Maybe you could consider getting a “gym buddy” because it’s harder to skip going to the gym if you know someone else is expecting you to be there with them.
If the gym isn’t working out, perhaps you could consider other forms of exercise e.g. dance classes, walks around the neighbourhood, team sports, etc.
I also drink to cope so I can relate to your drinking to some extent. I suppose it can be helpful to maybe try to cut back gradually rather than trying to suddenly stop drinking. Also, I think sometimes it can be helpful to speak to GPs about drinking to see what advice s/he has plus they can typically refer you to other support services.
But those are just my thoughts about motivation and seeking help. I don’t know if they are suitable to you but I wanted to share them anyway...I think perhaps, above all, maybe focus on making “small changes” so hopefully it all adds up to a big positive change over time.
Kindness and warmth,
Pepper
