Motivating yourself when you're depressed?

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  • I've been really depressed lately, and my motivation and self-control is the first thing to go. Reading all the great advice and encouragement in this thread and knowing I'm NOT alone in struggling with these issues has really helped me re-focus. Sometimes you have to tell your inner fat kid to put the fork down and move on!
  • AKNMHunt
    AKNMHunt Posts: 168 Member
    I was able to talk to my husband thankfully (military training), did my work out and had some indulgance but not overboard. I dont know how I will feel tomorrow, or this weekend, but for now, I am better-ish.
  • Awesome article on getting past mental resistance and getting yourself into the zone:

    http://goo.gl/QSRfMT

    Excerpt:
    It's a place we've all been to but can't remember exactly how we arrived. It's a place where all resistance and distractions fall by the wayside and time seems to disappear. Some people experience this state while reading a great book. Some people when they lose themselves dancing. Others while spending a Saturday with their family. We're talking about "The Zone."
  • pandafoo
    pandafoo Posts: 367 Member
    I'm really sorry for your losses. I can relate somewhat since my mom passed away 2 years ago from cervical cancer. I realized recently I still haven't fully grieved over her leaving this world, so I'm depressed about that on top of other things and lack motivation to live. My heart reaches out for you. It's incredibly difficult to lose a parent, and I can't imagine the pain associated with losing a child.

    Allow yourself to grieve fully and experience your emotions which will help with the healing process. I hope you surround yourself with family and friends who support and love you wholeheartedly. If you do eat out of emotion during these times, be forgiving and kind toward yourself because it's natural and understandable. I also try to remember that my mom would want me to be healthy, especially since she lost her health to an aggressive cancer that returned after remission. It helps motivate me to adopt better eating and exercise habits, even in the midst of my depression. Since exercise helps lift our mood, I am trying lately to schedule it in on my work and personal calendars - it reminds me exercise needs to be a priority. And I'm trying to find a friend I can work out with to keep me accountable health wise, but who also can provide support when I'm going through rough times. Maybe some of these can help you stay motivated.

    Honestly, sometimes the tunnel will seem so dark and interminably long, and it won't seem like there's any hope. I think trying to find hope in the small joys of life and reaching out to friends or family can help us take on each hour and each day. I truly hope you will find comfort during this time, and take one step at a time toward health in all regards- emotionally, mentally, and physically.