Struggling with lack of motivation

[Coby_]

Hi, over the past few years I have begun to struggle a lot with gaining motivation to do anything regardless of how big or small or taxing the task or activity is. I've started to reach the point where I no longer enjoy doing things I used to go out of my way to do, and spent a large chunk of my free time doing. I have goals and aspirations in life but I'm just never able to get up and work towards them or do the things I know I have to to achieve them. I'll occasionally have little bursts where I am up and about and do a few things here and there but that never lasts for long. I'm not sure if this is just a case of me being lazy as I've been told when I've tried to speak about it in the past or if anyone else has experienced it, so I'm not even really sure I'm looking in the right place for help but this is the only place I could think of outside of the people surrounding me. Never really had any issues in the past with mental health before this so maybe its something separate but any help or ideas would be appreciated, I'm really just sick of feeling this way and not seeing any way to escape the loop. 

[jaz28]

hi Coby_,

i am sorry to hear about this, it must be really hard for you. you are not lazy. well done for reaching out and being aware that something might be wrong.

lack of motivation can be a result of mental health conditions, or burn-out. the best course of action is to see your GP for assessment, and maybe a mental health care plan. your GP can refer you to specialized support (e.g., a psychologist, or psychiatrist) if they see fit. a mental health care plan will give you 6-10 medicare rebated sessions with a psychologist. that really helped me with my anxiety.

i hope things improve soon,

jaz xx

[Earth Girl]

Hi Coby,

Don't listen to the people who call you lazy - these people might experience this feeling one day and if they don't then they are lucky.

Some things that can cause you to lose motivation and not really enjoy life are:

* Lack of good, strong, healthy, social relationships.

* Depression (if it feels a bit extreme and you're really not doing too well).

* Anxiety.

(These are just some of the reasons - there's probably more).

I experience feeling unmotivated and not enjoying life a lot because I don't really have any proper social outlets (friends and emotional and social support from family). It can make even the smallest things seem hard and even some things that I use to really enjoy when I was little seem more like a chore. I don't even get as excited when I see animals as I use to - I still love them, but they just don't make me feel super excited these days.

I had depression for several years and that made me feel unmotivated and unexcited about life in an extreme way. I still feel a bit like this now, just not to that extent.

It would be good to see a doctor about your mental health and see if they can give you medication if needed or offer some other support.

[indigo22]

Hi Coby,

Welcome and thank you for telling us what you have been dealing with. I totally understand what you are feeling, I have been dealing with major depression for most of my life and what you describe has the hallmarks of depression, not laziness. We cannot diagnose on the forum, but we can support you, so please post as often as you feel the need and we will be here for you. As previously suggested, a visit to your GP would be the next step and would be in your best interest. You could also benefit from talking with the Beyond Blue helpline by phone or chat and get some feedback there when needed.

You have taken the first step by posting here so take care of yourself by taking the steps needed to find your answers.

indigo

[divine_inner_goddess]

Hi Coby_ (and hello Indigo22), 

I can definitely relate to feeling unmotivated and finding even simple everyday things difficult. I have struggled with mental health difficulties for many many years. I have major depressive disorder and also complex PTSD and anxiety. I find some days are worse than others. When I am feeling good, I try and do a few extra chores like cooking some extra food to put in the freezer for later. Or I get out and about and sit in a cafe or go for a walk - to get out of the house. Other days I simply have no energy at all. I flop on the couch and curl up in a ball. And that is all I can manage. Not finding joy in things you used to enjoy is called "anhedonia". It is a symptom of depression, too.

You are not alone. And you are not lazy. A lazy person would not ask themselves, why I am having difficulty motivating myself to do things?   

I hope you can get some help, and find some comfort and support on here.   

Take care, 

dig

[LVB]

Hi Coby_

These sorts of experiences [finding no/little motivation] can be very difficult to understand - I have experienced depression, and complex PTSD for a number of years - and I too, sometimes find it very hard to motivate myself.  You are not lazy, and it sounds as though the 'others' who told you this are way out of touch with what is really going on for you.  It may well be worth visiting your GP and ask them for a referral through Medicare, to see a psychologist who would then be able to assist you in finding a way through this.

I hope that you find a good outcome for yourself.