I have no motivation for anything

[icecreamspider]

I’m completely unable to do anything i don’t enjoy.
I have zero motivation to do any of my school work.
There’s not really much to say here i guess. I’m not sure what to do about it because i don’t even have the motivation to try to fix it.
I’ve tried things like alarms and calendars almost hoping that it would stress me out and i would do my work. Nothing has worked.
I just ignore the alarms, they’re more of a nuisance than a reminder.
I don’t even pay attention to my calendar. I couldn’t care less if i tried. I’ve ended up in detention before because i’ve been late to school so many times due to not caring about it.
I’m going into year 11 next year and i’m at a total loss.

Please help.

[Sophie_M]

Hi icecreamspider,
Please know that you've come to a safe, non-judgemental space to talk things through, and our community is here to offer as much support, advice and conversation as you need as we know it hard going through this alone.
If you would like some help finding mental health support, we would recommend that you get in contact with the Beyond Blue Support Service. They are available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 1pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport  One of our friendly counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings with you and can offer support, advice and referrals.
If you’d like there is always support which may be helpful and your always welcome to get in touch with Kids Helpline  They are a confidential and anonymous, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged 25 and under. In addition there is Headspace. Headspace is an organisation specifically for young people aged 12-25 and they offer a wide range of services including group programs which are a great opportunity to meet people. They also have a group chat on their webpage.
 

[Petal22]

Hi icecream spider,

Wellcome to our forums!

Im sorry you are feeling this way I understand it would be difficult.

Its hard sometimes to try to find motivation.

What type of things are you interested in?

[icecreamspider]

I’m honestly not even sure what i enjoy. I draw a lot and i suppose i enjoy it, but i also hate drawing. It’s fun and it passes the time but i don’t enjoy it at all. I like to use my hands a lot. And i’d like to make clothing when i’m older, except i can’t even make myself try. I kind of don’t feel like it even matters.

[Petal22]

Hello ice cream spider,

Thats great that you like using your hands.

Have you been able to speak to your parents about the way you are feeling?

[yggdrasil]

Hi icecreamspider,

Thanks so much for posting on here. I think the first thing I'd say is that lots of teens experience what you're describing I think. I know I did at that age. I remember that all I cared about at that age was playing guitar, but I also kind of hated it and felt like everything was a bit pointless. Do you think you're experiencing depression? It could be worth explaining how you're faring to a GP you trust.

I think the concept of motivation is a bit misleading... the way it's always worked with me is that the doing of something usually comes before my desire to do it... if that makes sense. In some way you just have to take this leap of faith where your mind is like "well this school/uni/job seems pretty pointless and I don't want to do it, but I'm going to make myself do it anyway just in case something interesting or engaging comes out of it." Sometimes it's only months or years after having done something you realise what it's opened up for you in your life, as you've found a new thread to follow that actually really does engage you. For me at least this pattern keeps on playing out the older you get. Your options gradually get broader, and you find new things that you find compelling and want to do.

Another perspective on this topic is offered by this article I remember reading when I was trying to make a course decision at uni. I found it very helpful, and maybe you will too! https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/30/jobs/follow-a-career-passion-let-it-follow-you.html

Best of luck,

yggdrasil