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Depression has made me lose all of my motivation. How do I get myself motivated to do simple tasks?

23 Answers
Last Updated: 06/01/2021 at 3:50am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Kare M, MS, LCMHC, NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Imagine a life where you're able to embrace your true self in all areas. Together, my hope is to unlock your potential towards building more self-awareness and authenticity.

Top Rated Answers
Emma1980
January 12th, 2015 9:28am
Try to break down your tasks! If you find it too hard to go for a walk, that's ok. But if you split this, you get a list with smaller and smaller steps (written down or in your mind): walking for 20 min -- getting on shoes and coat -- getting dressed -- get out of bed -- turn around -- put cellphone away -- close browser -- stop opening new articles (and so on, whatever it is that you do all the time). Finally you'll get to a step of which you may think: "I can do this". And that's your starting point.
HamRadio4Life
August 10th, 2015 10:24pm
Just remember that only you can do what you need to get done. If we could all have someone do our necessities, life would be much easier (and more boring!). Don't let depression win!
benevolentHeartStrings
April 30th, 2015 1:48pm
I like to think about how accomplishing this simple task will help another person. If I can direct my thoughts away from myself and onto others, than this gives me purpose and motivation to do a simple task.
TalkingIsTheBestMedicine
May 3rd, 2015 9:42pm
Depression is an awful affliction but it is important to know that you are not alone. Most people will experience depression in some form throughout their lives. One of the most pernicious things about depression is that it can cause a downward spiral once it has set in. It is always good to try to "snap out" of depression maybe by way of doing some exercise, going dancing, listening to music or just spending some time with friends. We are very social beings and it is surprising what a positive effect it is to be flanked in people even if you aren't necessarily talking to them. If the depression continues non-stop for a number of days then it is important to seek help from a professional.
DreamCatcher39
February 25th, 2020 3:16am
I'm sorry you're going through this difficult phase and I totally understand being gone through the same. The first step is to understand how is it affecting me? What is the root of it? Usually, there are some insecurities that lead to the feeling of depression. And usually the person looses all their hope and motivation. After realising the root, which might take a bit time and get frustrating, a person needs to simply do their everyday tasks. Initially you'll feel exhausted and would not want to do it, but this is the stage you finally start to recover. A few days and everything will start falling into a routine. A monotonous and maybe boring one but at least something to cling onto if anything further results unfruitful. The next step is difficult but only you can manage that. Nobody can actually do it for you only support you. And understand we're here for you. What you need to do is, work on those insecurities you realized earlier. Slowly and steadily. Even common flu takes 4-5 days of repeated efforts and care to go away. It takes it time. This is depression, let it take its time as well. Do not try to rush it in order to be happy temporarily, make it go for once and for all. Things take time, be patient. It will get frustrating and you might feel this ain't helping, but it is making a small change. And these small changes bring out a huge change that people around you can feel in your vibes. The best motivation is your people telling you that it's good to be in your company, that "you're glowing", or "I like those vibes!" To reach there it will take a lot of efforts but also, you can do it. You've got it in you because if you hadn't, you wouldn't have been imposed with such an issue. I'm not saying be religious, that's not what I promote in any way. But at least believe that every single one of us has a capacity. Some more some less. But everyone got it. And they just have to Understand and withstand the pressure instead of crumbling under it. Don't succumb to it. This would be my only suggestion. I would recommend you to try it. I've done it. I've not fully yet, since I told you it's a long process... But have overtaken a huge part of My depression. And I enjoy Those compliments. Also it wasn't a joke when I said you get these compliments and people feel the change. It has happened to me and I aspire to grow even more. I'll be more than happy if you ever needed a friend to talk to and you contacted me. 😊 ~dream
Listenwithheartwithoutjudge
June 1st, 2021 3:50am
As a human we sometimes feel depression and lose our motivation but you are such a good person and you are the person who can motivate your own self. Trying to do something that you like is some of a good way to do so experienced all of your talent and do what makes you smile. Keep being positive every day even the worst come you know very well that your are stronger and can pass it all. It's all back to you because someone who knows what we should do to make our self happy is our own self
Anonymous
June 11th, 2018 7:09pm
Make a list of what you need to do every day and tick them off as you go. Start small and then work your way to bigger lists. Make sure to reward yourself with something when you do the tasks.
Anonymous
March 5th, 2018 4:38pm
Motivate yourself by saying encouraging things like, "i can do this! " even though those are just words it can make you feel better
Freedangel
May 22nd, 2017 9:49pm
Depression can put blinders on us and prevent us from seeing or feeling what matters. Admittedly the motivation is hard to find, but a lot of people seek support from those they care about because we are stronger for others than we are for ourselves. Motivation may come from not wanting to disappoint or hurt the people that we love or that love us. If you find that this isn't enough, remember that you owe it to yourself to. The most simple tasks can even make us feel better, whether it's getting up and taking a shower or going to the grocery store to get what you need. Taking initiative and getting the ball rolling can sometimes be enough too. Remind yourself that you'll feel a bit better with each small step you take!
SadCupoTea
January 16th, 2017 2:09pm
You can have a friend to help motivate you to complete simple tasks. You can brighten your mood by naming positive things that happen as the day or week goes by. Set a goal for yourself that you want to achieve.
HiddenWolf
November 28th, 2016 12:48pm
The thing about it for me is just starting. I know that, if I'm able to start to do what I need to, I'll just keep going until it's over. So I always focus on thinking that I'll feel better if do something, even little things and, if I'm able to start and avoid distractions, I'll probably get it done.
heavenlyWaves29
October 3rd, 2016 11:58pm
Start from doing small things even if it's just having a little walk or going out to a shop every little thing helps you go from those small tasks to feeling motivated again. Time is a healer.
Ourfaithinhuemanatee
September 13th, 2016 6:26pm
always remember why you do those things, for exemple you change you bed sheets because it makes you feel better while you sleep. Keep these things in mind, if you struggle to get yourself motivatet to change the bedsheets think about how nice and clean it felt when you changed the the last time. what can also help is to include others to your tasks... ask your friend to remind or even help you to do your loundry, it will somehow force you to do it and will be easier because they help you
rtkyfm
August 15th, 2016 10:20am
You can talk about it with someone. For example your family, friends, or listener. Sometimes everyone needs help of somebody else. You can't always do everything by yourself. Just talk to someone about your problems and feelings. It will help.
Anonymous
July 4th, 2016 10:24pm
I try to motivate myself with things I like, for example if I have to do such and such for work or around the house, I then reward myself with an episode of a tv show I like. This gives me something to look forward to, and push myself on even when I have no motivation. I also try to break down tasks into smaller parts, which helps me feel like I've accomplishes more.
brilliantRiver83
June 7th, 2016 2:06am
Everyday set 1 small goal for yourself. Reward yourself when you finish. Repeat until you feel like you can do 2 a day, then 3, then 4.
Anonymous
February 29th, 2016 6:51am
Don't push yourself too hard. Start small. Make lunch for yourself, listen to some uplifting music. Take small steps towards getting back into the swing of things :)
Anonymous
January 18th, 2016 9:35am
To find what is the causing demotivation and help them overcome it. And also take care that they dont make the same mistake again
wonderfulHeart72
January 18th, 2016 2:52am
Depression can be very serious, but please know everyone experiences it times in their life's. After taking an on-line test to determine if you are clinically depressed, or just temporally down, We can figure out what is the best course of action. What are pleasurable activities you use to engage in? Are you having problems sleeping? etc. I would first take steps such as, write down all the task you should be doing. Prioritize them, then start small (ex. grocery shopping) make a list, go to the closest store, walking is better (fresh air, gives you energy), set a time for your self to do this, you have so long to get ready to do this etc. Once back home, find one more thing on your list, Get a good night sleep after some relaxation exercises. Next day you are going to wake up and think of the positive to get going and feel productive. Call or talk to a mentor, friend, family member. Let them know you are feeling good and going to have a good day. Positive thoughts, followed by positive actions. You go! Come back for motivation anytime, I am here for you!
Anonymous
December 21st, 2015 1:26pm
You can get yourself motivated by exercising, reconnecting with old friends, and focusing on the positives in your life
patientHeart75
November 2nd, 2015 10:31am
Love yourself. Do some energy affirmations and meditations. Get out and walk and get the air going in the body.
TheBestGrayson
June 22nd, 2015 8:57am
Getting motivated when you're depressed is often a challenge. But the best way that you can try and motivate yourself is to just take it one step at a time, and to be proud of yourself every time that you do manage to get motivated to do things, because every time that you do motivate yourself, is a time when you have beaten the depression's effect on you, and that is a victory.
Anonymous
May 7th, 2015 10:13am
It seems like slowly ad steadily you have lost love for yourself which is very bad. What you must learn in that first step to anything is loving yourself.It'll be hard to realize this again after having this hard time but all you gotta do is keep calm, have faith in youself and remember that everything happens for a good reason. Good Luck! :)