How do I know if I like anything?
New here - been living with chronic depression for about 20 years now. I've enjoyed things in life, I've had darker phases and more manageable phases. I'm currently not taking meds and it's okay enough (though I often wonder if I'm just being stubborn).
What I find hard is knowing what I like if anything (I'm sure there are things). I've been really into things for phases, even years long, and then it usually just stops holding interest for me. I'm supposed to be tracking habits right now for therapy homework as part of a stress coping observation and I just feel so cynical. The more I try to think about something as I do for myself just because I enjoy it the more it almost backfires.
Does anyone have any good thoughts or tips about this?
@pinkLime175
Hello,
I hear you. Sometimes it can be hard to know what interests us. It can take a lot of self-exploring. There are so many hobbies/interests out there. So, I can understand how choosing what interest you the most can be challenging. Some find it helpful reclaiming their childhood interest as a starting point. Or just reflecting whether you are more artistic and want to explore options in that realm vs physical activities. As well, as exploring if you like working with your hands. Whether you like solo activities or social ones. Then working from there! 💛💫
Thanks for sharing that. It can sometimes feel like backtracking and I feel like I should be moving "forward" but quitting and giving things up definitely doesn't go anywhere!
I've lately been more adamant about playing games I like until I actually start feeling good at them and it's been kind of cool but also still embarrassing. Working on the confidence and self esteem piece!
@innateJoy9602
This is a great response innateJoy. Good on you innateJoy, very helpful for OP and others too. Thank you very much for sharing.
Interesting dilemma. I too get interested in something for a while and then move onto other stuff. I think that is how things are supposed to be. If you try something new there is no certain length of time that you have to do it to be "successful" at it. You just have to find a little peace for a short time. @pinkLime175
@pinkLime175
In my opinion, a good place to try are things that were more enjoyable and for a longer period of time for you. For example, if you liked playing a certain video game consistently and was more enjoyable, then try it again a number of times. Whatever those things are (more enjoyable and kept your interest for a longer time in the past), Try those things again over a period of time. These are just suggestions.
