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How do I motivate myself enough to get out of the house during the depressive period?

15 Answers
Last Updated: 08/10/2020 at 8:36pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Danielle Gonzales, PsyD

Psychologist

Hello! My name is Dani, I am a Psychologist and registered Psych Assistant. I have a passion for helping a different types of clients from all diverse backgrounds!

Top Rated Answers
MellyLa
November 3rd, 2015 11:46pm
if only there was an easy answer to this! I struggled with lack of motivation for ages. It's always much easier to find ten good reasons to stay than one to go. With this said, you need to ask yourself, what can i reward myself with? What would i enjoy doing when i go out? If you have to leave the house for work/school or something you don't find rewarding, try to squeeze in something you enjoy. Maybe you can go get coffee before class at that place you like , or maybe on the way to work you can go pet puppies at the adoption fair. anything that makes you happy and gives you a reason to feel happy about your outing. focus on it!!
cantantelope
January 25th, 2016 1:03am
I would just remind myself that I'm going to be miserable in the house, and I'll probably be miserable out of the house, but at least I could do something good for the world, and there's the possibility of the outside making me feel not so miserable.
hellopomegranate4772
April 24th, 2015 4:23am
It is hard, as I struggle with getting out of the house because depression and anxiety eats away at me. You just have to tell yourself. Today I am not going to feel depressed. I will save it for tomorrow. It is easier said than done but you just have to force yourself even if you don't want to because it will help you feel better in the long run. Exersize and getting your muscles moving also helps you feel better because it stimulates endorphin production. Keep that in mind.
Brida66
January 10th, 2017 7:11pm
There is not a magic trick that will work for everyone or that everybody will be confortable with. So why not try different things and see which one works better for you. Take one day at a time , make small steps and break the process into smaller tasks . e.g. 'Today I am feeling like I don't want to leave the house at all so I will be happy enough if I go across the street to the corner shop or the super market or to my friend's/neighbour' s house for half an hour and come back home. Ask your friends to 'make you' go out or ask someone to come with you. If you make it out the door and you feel like panicking call someone. Give yourself credit for getting out of bed and getting ready to leave the house. Be kind to yourself.
Anonymous
April 13th, 2015 11:05pm
Talk to your friends and plan something out. Remember that depression keeps you from enjoying the things you used to love, so try to do them as often as possible to remind yourself why you like them.
Anonymous
May 20th, 2015 12:59am
Look for activities that might interest you. It could be as simple as going out to get a cup of coffee when the weather is good outside.
misszmeyette
August 17th, 2015 3:54pm
Take a good cold shower, listen to your favorite song and look outside your window and see some parts of world is still worth living.
Anonymous
June 13th, 2016 10:40pm
Just knowing that things can get better and thinking about how it oculd help might work geting resh air can actually really help you.
Vronica23
May 2nd, 2017 8:00pm
I think it helps to find someone to help hold you accountable, someone close to you that understands your situation, and your limitations, but that is also willing to give you small pushes when you need them. Of course, when you're dealing with depression, sometimes you can feel very vulnerable, and having someone there forcing you to do something that you're not ready to can do more harm than good. So, it's important to talk, and let them know what's too much for you. But I think having someone along side you is a great way to motivate you to do a little more each day.
Anonymous
May 24th, 2015 5:38pm
Sometimes just pushing yourself out there is all it takes to help conquer depression. Your body is saying you don't have the motivation but all you need is to get over the hump!
Anonymous
June 6th, 2015 11:50am
I try to think about how many goods things are going to happen to me thru out the day. It can be some simple like people telling me what a nice shirt i have or jst say hi and start a small talk. This motivates me to get out of the house. Or sometimes my dog, because she has to go pee.
kindheartedSunrise21
April 25th, 2016 9:35am
Sometimes just pushing yourself out there is all it takes .Look for activities that might interest you or an activity you can do with a friend so you are not on your own.Also exercising stimulates endorphin production ..making you happier and therefore more motivation. Positive thinking .... try your hardest :)
Anonymous
June 1st, 2020 4:20pm
For me, it always helps to start small and take steps. If I can't bring myself to see my friends, maybe I can just go to the gas station. If driving feels overwhelming, I can sit on the porch and get some fresh air. It's important to be kind and forgiving with yourself and recognize any progress, even if it's not a lot. Eat a fruit, open a window, text a friend, or come on here and talk to a listener. If you can, reaching out to someone can help. Relationships are important for mental health, even though they can be exhausting and difficult to maintain during a depressive period.
Anonymous
August 10th, 2020 8:36pm
I personally don't just move out of the house. Being an emotional person, I sit aside for a while, write down my feelings and all my thoughts in a PC diary and vent out everything. It takes a while to calm myself and then I listen to music, force myself to get up, wear shoes and go out for a walk all by myself. Moving out from a place is important so that your mind is clear and in peace. To motivate myself i would just think that its best if we step out of the situation and even just to sit for a while
azimech
April 19th, 2016 11:32am
I keep telling myself to look outside, look at the others so I can be thankful with my life. I keep telling myself to get the fresh air to refresh my mind