Where to get the motivation when depressed?!

[Mh15634]

Don't want to be a downer, but depression happens and it's a thing! How do people get motivation to get up, stop sleeping, and get active? It's hard not to sleep until 2pm when I work at 4pm. I need something I can tweak in my life, or something motivational to remind me that my body is important.

[HelenaFitbit]

This is a tricky one @Mh15634, I have searched for some tips but they will depend on knowing if it's a seasonal affective disorder or a the holiday blues.

If you wish to speak to someone, my best recommendation is 7 Cups of Tea, which is a worldwide online community where you can talk, vent or meet people around the world, to make the blues less blue. 

Nevetheless, depression is a serious subject and it must be monitored by a physician. I cannot stress this enough; please visit your doctor. Depression is a silent disease that affects all physical and emotional aspects of our lives. 

Stay safe, stay strong. You can do this! 

[emili]

getting fit is what actually snapped me out of mine almost two years ago. I was so miserable with everything- real and imagined. I thought about of all the things I am miserable about what is the one thing I have complete and total control over. I wasn't a sleeper per se- I was an escapist. I would retreat into movies and books and naps. I decided I would stop with the movies first and use that time to figure out what I am going to eat the next day based on research I did for what will help me lose weight- during the time I would have been napping. And I changed my eating habits - I committed to feeding my body what it wants, not what my brain wants. Then when I dropped pounds, I decided I would begin walking. I dropped some more and began working out. During all this, I became friendlier and smiled more which got me invited to outings with friends. Not just posting hello's on FB- going out and talking and laughing. Then the compliments started piling up about how good I look and how different my disposition is, and here I am two years later. Thin, muscular, active, very social. A mom whose kids are so proud of her, I am featured on their social media more often than not. And a husband who thinks he won a cute wife sweepstakes. you have to get up and commit to yourself. believe in you, like you believe in others- its your turn. go do it.

[SunsetRunner]

I vote with emilii.  JUST DO IT!  Even when not feeling it, getting up, set small goal, "I'll just walk to the stop sign.".  Getting there can change your mood...maybe then to that fire hydrant.  And then the next corner..hell, might as well go around the block.....

Newton's law...body at rest vs body in motion and all that....

🙂

[josephz2va]

It's been a while, but I gotta find my reasons too. I'm depressed but also lazy. I remind myself when I was far down in weight, people were commenting on how good looking I was getting and ignoring whom says I'm gonna look terrible if I'm too thin. I'd rather be at 8% than 30% and my normal weight of 150 than 211 today. If I can concentrate on getting my health back in order that would be super.

But I also gotta find my off buttons like overeating is evil if I'm not burning mega calories in the beginning of my day. And getting into the mood again like buying Fitbits for the family, family combined gym memberships and getting them motivated. When one family member is depressed, so is the whole family. Gotta get them all motivated.

[MLGad]

My original motivator was learning that I was officially diabetic. I started walking, watching what I ate, and lost thirty pounds. In September, everything seemed to fall apart. I developed a strange heaviness between my shoulder blades, and that, coupled with an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion, has sidelined my motivation.

I know I'm depressed, and I take meds for that. I'm tired all the time, and have re-injured my knee, so walking is painful. I'm not sleeping well, according to my Fitbit, and being tired all the time proves that theory. I wish I had a magic answer, because I need one myself. I know I need to start walking again, I know I need to watch what I eat, and I can't seem to get myself out the door.

I do understand, and you aren't alone.

[Stephen1227]

Great advice HelenaFitbit. So true. Best wishes, Mh15634.  Please reach out for help. You can do this!

[HelenaFitbit]

I've been there too @MLGad, fighting the battle for over 10 years. I had a hard time admitting that I needed medication; but as soon as I took it, the world seemed a little less blue. You are not alone either! 

Thank you @Stephen1227, happy holidays! 

[I-train-hard]

If you sleep 2 hours a day b/c of problems that you are having, get help immediately.

Exercise helps a lot and have all the benefits etc. but your stage might require more than exercise.

Don’t wait, be smart, ask for help.

[CJinAZ]

What motivates me are my dogs.  They are used to the routine, so if I am late, they let me know, it's time to get up and move.  I realize not everyone has room for a pet, but animal shelters are full of unwanted dogs and cats.  If you don't have room or the funding for a dog, you could always volunteer at your local pet shelter, and walk a dog.  The attention the dog receives from you means the world to them, which in turn will make you feel better too.  The dog develops a better attitude with personal attention, which increases his/her chance of getting adopted.  Yes, I work with abandoned and abused animals, and it's rewarding to bring a dog around to an adoptable state.  Best of luck in finding your motivation.