Managing Depression: How Do You Stay Motivated?

I started using a planner. Maybe it sounds a little silly- but it gives me things to look forward to and a place to jot things down when I’m having a low period and don’t have the energy to deal with them right away. It has made a massive difference with my depression/anxiety/ADHD. Meds help too of course and I do dabble in journaling, getting out in nature, yoga and meditation (LOVE binaural beats and gentle wake up yoga!)

I smoke hella weed and paint a lot. Music helps me as well

I try to keep things positive. I focus on myself and I accept that not everyday is going to be rainbows and unicorns. And when I need some motivation I just imagine what it will be like when my task is done, or I reward myself. Say you do you homework, then you’d reward yourself something special to you

Yes 100% give yourself credit for the small things, but something that has helped me recently is when I notice something that needs to be done and I dont want to do it, I ask myself why not? What are you doing right now? And if i cant answer those questions with an actual answer then I just do it. It sounds silly but it works for me.

Fake it til you make it! Being unmotivated is one of the main symptoms but you have to be nice to yourself, if all you could manage to do that day was brush your teeth you at least did something.

along the same lines is just. do something. sometimes once youve completed that it gives you just enough motivation to do one more skmething. and sometimes it doesnt but at least hou did that. like brush your hair. maybe you cant shower or change your clothes but you can probably convince yourself to do that one thing. then use the momentum to complete another. or just be proud bc brushing your hair is mire than you did before

DarkendedDoll is right! Sometimes you just have to pretend until you start believing. It may sound a little silly, but sometimes it really can work. Also, try and look for little things to keep you going because sometimes larger things can overwhelm us. For example, if you have plants or an animal, find motivation to take care of them. Even if it’s the only reason you’re getting out of bed or waking up, it’s still a reason nonetheless! Remember to set small, reachable goals for yourself rather than big ones. If you’re someone who struggles with hygiene (I don’t know if you do, it’s just an example), you can set the goal of washing your face once a day. It’s something simple, but it makes you feel just that little bit more refreshed! I hope you’re able to find something to keep you going. ❤️

I’m not motivated but the best advice I can give you is fake it until you make it. Honestly the only thing that gets me through everything