How can I get motivated, even when I'm depressed?
23 Answers
Moderated by Sarah Robb, LICDC (Licenced Chemical Dependency Counselor)
Updated: Aug 17, 2020
Anonymous
on
Jan 24, 2015
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Life is all about priorities and second chances. If it didn't go well in first few chances, make sure you hit the ball out of the park in the chances that follow.
Struggling with depression?
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SaF2
on
Apr 5, 2015
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-Make the goal to do it, not to enjoy it.
-Acknowledge your courage for stepping out of your comfort zone.
-Focus on just a few things at a time.
-Exercise.
-Allow yourself time to relax and do the things you enjoy.
ciuin
on
Apr 11, 2015
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Take things slowly, do one thing at a time, try writing a list, reward yourself for getting something done but don't scold yourself for not getting it done. It can be difficult but it can also be worth it
Athena86
on
Jul 28, 2015
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I struggle with this one myself from time to time. I start small. I accomplish a small task. That usually makes me think "well, I did that. let's try this." And I'll try something a little bigger. And so on. For me, it's about literally putting one foot in front of the other and I don't think about anything except the task I'm on.
brightForest58
on
Sep 21, 2015
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When I am depressed, which is often.... I reason with myself. I know I can't conquer the world that day but I know there may be a few small things I need to accomplish. Something as small as making sure I have food for the day or paying bills. Whatever it is... I set a schedule for myself. I know that if I accomplish these small tasks today I will feel like I am not a complete waste. I decide what time I need to have a certain task completed. Shower by 10am. Need to get to the grocery store by 12pm. I have to pay the phone bill by 2pm. I set a strict schedule for myself. The only way I know of to combat my depression is to adhere to a strict schedule. I need structure in my day or all will go by the wayside.
wonderfulHeart72
on
Jan 18, 2016
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When I am depressed and need motivation, I think of first all the positive in my life. Why do I go to work? To have this place to live in! Why do I make the effort to go jogging? I want to feel and look healthy. What is the worst thing that can happen if I don't go/or do it? What is the best thing that I can feel/or have happen? The best sounds the best, get up and go! (I tell myself), If I still need motivation, I talk to a family member or friend. Encouragement, and reassurance is always the best motivation, either from my own thoughts or outside source. Now stop being down, things can only get better!
Belle1985
on
Feb 11, 2015
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I find it helps that even if you don't have anywhere you need to be that day, just getting up, taking a shower, and going through your normal routine of getting ready helps a lot.
aranyajohar
on
Apr 10, 2015
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Make a bucket list of things you want to do. That is something you will look forward to doing. Make a list of things you love about yourself and thing you want to improve, and little by little, step by step start trying to achieve them.
helpyou
on
Apr 24, 2015
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Listen to some good music. Engage in your favourite sport. Stay fit, be healthy. Go for a holiday to know yourself more.
PashT007
on
Apr 24, 2015
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Find people that love you and those that understand. Positive influences are always a great thing. Find what you like and be around people who enjoy those things as well.
OQuinn
on
May 6, 2015
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Project yourself in the future. Do you want to end up homeless ? OR working the dream of your job ? And motivate yourself so you can show your enemies that you did better than them. :)
BlueberryElena
on
May 24, 2015
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I tried searching for quotes about life which got me very motivated. Or I used listen to happy songs that just pump you up! Good luck for being motivated!! :)
Anonymous
on
Oct 3, 2015
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Honestly, what I do is make a pro & cons list. Write down the good & bad, then write down three positives to cover up the negatives. It helps me, and it's worth a try. :) Good- Luck.
Anonymous
on
Dec 1, 2015
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you sometimes have to force past the lack of the motivation and do something regardless of how boring or monotonous it is.
peacefulApple43
on
May 16, 2016
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Set a time limit, a small time limit of about 2 to 5 minutes for whatever activity you want to complete. Then do as much of it as you can get done in that amount of time. Do this several times a day and you will be surprised how much you actually can get done a few minutes at a time.
Anonymous
on
Jun 20, 2016
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Hobbies. Getting involved in a special thing that you love will definitely brighten your mood. In addition to that, when you are happier, it tends to get easier to be motivated.
RibbonOfLight4
on
Jun 20, 2016
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Discipline and habits. I know. It's hard.
But the worst thing you can do when you are depressed is to wait for motivation while lying in bed.
Sometimes motivation comes after action.
Force yourself to do what you have to do.
It will be hard.
Motivation is fueled up by achievements. If you set an achievement, you must work for it. And your achievement will make you feel slightly more motivated.
Even if we are not depressed, it doesn't mean we are motivated all the time. That's why we have discipline and habits.
Make yourself the habit of never waiting for motivation to get you up.
But... you can always take a break and just stay in bed. Just don't do it often xD
Ashiya
on
Jun 21, 2016
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Work on a list of goals and think on how you're going to achieve them. Motivate yourself through hype and try to become excited that you'll accomplish it.
ccu
on
Feb 7, 2017
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I really think you need to do an effort from within to be able to get motivated. Will power can be very effective, sometimes changing your surroundings, looking at thing differently or doing things like taking a walk can get you on the right track to being motivated.
Anonymous
on
Mar 27, 2018
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You can get motivated even when you are depressed by setting a goal for yourself in attempting doing something new for yourself that day even if you're sad, also asking friends or family members how to help you get motivated too.