No motivation

[Flora25]

• Hi, this is my first entry on any forum! I'm struggling to get out of bed, not showering, not interested in food, no cooking, no cleaning and lost all purpose. Yes, I know about strategies, yes, I see a psychologist, yes, I'm on medication but I can't get motivated to do anything... 

[Croix]

Dear Flora25~

I'd like to give you a warm welcome here to the Forum. It was a good idea of yours to post here as many other people have have had the same problems and how they coped can be helpful

In my own case I found being in bed isolated from the world was the only thing I could do even though I knew intellectually it was a symptom of my illness (depression) and I had things I really should be doing.

The answer for me was samll steps. Maybe gettingu p for long neough ot clena my teeth. Then getting up for longer to hoave ashower, then clena closhtes and eventualy opening that door.  I had fallen into the trap of thinking that becuse I was not up and about I was a failure. Those steps were the opposite, each was in itself a victory, and one victory encourages the next. If there is anyone there to give you praise so much the better. If they criticize it simply shows how limited they are.

So I would suggest a simple small task you can manage to start with.

Things got better for me and although still on medication lead a productive and enjoyable life.

Croix

[Flora25]

Thank you Croix,

I appreciate reading about your experience and have taken on your advice.

Yes, the smallest steps do help, when I remember to think of it.

Depression is sooo debilitating and the demands of life and social norms, can be unbearable at times, I just can't face it, so I escape to bed then feel guilty because I should be doing things. 

Today I have taken a small step after being in bed for 4 days. I got up, showered, washed my hair and made a cup of tea! I've gone further, stripped the bed and started washing the bed clothes. It's a sunny day, so I might sit outside and watch the goldfish in the pond for a while.

Thankyou.

[Croix]

Dear Flora25~

Wow, that certainly was a whole string of triumphs.

They may not happen every day but you will know there are there and you will be able to do them again and more.

The trap we all fall into is judging ourselves by the standard of when we are well. This is not the same standard we should use when we are ill, however we forget and then feel bad.

I hope your washing dried out and that you were able ot relax watching the goldfish

Croix