Motivation

[parrotthepolly]

How do I find motivation to do things while having severe depression?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

How do I find motivation to do things while having severe depression?

Finding motivation can be challenging, especially when struggling with severe depression. It's important to be gentle with yourself during this time. Have you noticed any activities or routines that seem a bit easier to engage in than others, even if just a little?

 

[parrotthepolly]

Yes but only very simple tasks. I feel like I'm frozen and can't do much more. The days pass very fast

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Yes but only very simple tasks. I feel like I'm frozen and can't do much more. The days pass very fast

I understand how overwhelming it can feel when even simple tasks seem difficult to accomplish. What are some of the simple tasks you have been able to engage in recently? How did you feel before, during, and after completing them?

 

[parrotthepolly]

Just getting out of bed, showering and brushing my teeth. I don't feel any different before during or after doing anything due to trauma and depression.
There are lots of things that need to be done

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Just getting out of bed, showering and brushing my teeth. I don't feel any different before during or after doing anything due to trauma and depression.
There are lots of things that need to be done

It sounds like you're going through a really tough time. I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling overwhelmed. It's important to acknowledge the effort it takes to do those tasks, even if it doesn't feel like much. When thinking about the tasks that need to be done, what feels like the most urgent or important thing on your list right now?

 

[parrotthepolly]

Cleaning the house

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Cleaning the house

It's understandable that feeling overwhelmed may make cleaning the house feel like a daunting task. How do you envision a clean space benefiting your overall well-being? And what small step could you take today to start tackling this task?

 

[parrotthepolly]

A clean space would make me feel slightly better but wouldn't cure my mental so it's hard to find a reason to keep going.
I have started putting items in place but I keep dissociating which leaves everything in a mess again

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

A clean space would make me feel slightly better but wouldn't cure my mental so it's hard to find a reason to keep going.
I have started putting items in place but I keep dissociating which leaves everything in a mess again

It's significant that you've already taken the first step by starting to put items in place. Dissociation can certainly make tasks like cleaning more challenging. When you find yourself dissociating, what techniques have you found helpful in grounding yourself back to the present moment?

 

[parrotthepolly]

I can't ground myself because there are memories I don't want to have again

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

I can't ground myself because there are memories I don't want to have again

It sounds really distressing to feel unable to ground yourself due to memories resurfacing. I'm here to support you through this. Have you tried any coping strategies that have helped you manage these distressing memories in the past?