Motivation shot down by depression

I have ups and downs with depression, too. Like you, this affects my motivation. For me, when I'm feeling down I have this very strong craving/desire/want to eat and eat lots. Especially sugary and junk food stuff. Almost like my body is saying, "You're down and have no energy...eat this stuff." While I believe in listening to your body, this of course isn't a good way to go.

Having not figured it out fully myself, I can only recommend two things: 1> Talk to you doctor about changing your medication and/or dose to get better results. 2> Talk to a psychologist or similar behavioral therapist to develop ways to handle the "downs" in your life and stay motivated.

Accountability partners may also be a big help to you.

Hope you find some answers you're looking for!

Anti-depressants should almost always come with talk therapy with a qualified professional so that you can address any underlying issues and develop techniques that work specific to you.

Depression is a really personal journey, and what worked for others, might not work for you. It's not the type of thing where it's going to be effective for one of us to come in here and just tell you to get up and go for a run because exercise releases endorphins.

I recently had a nervous breakdown (9 weeks ago) and my Doc tried me on the "happy pills" which done absolutely nothing other than make me feel worse and very short tempered!! I asked him to prescribe me to the gym (so I didn't have to pay the fees - not silly me!!!), which he has done for 6 months and this is the only thin that has helped me on the way back to normality. If you feel depressed after a good work out at the gym, then you need to change ALL your friends for some that are not going to make you feel down!

Motivation starts by getting off your backside and doing something!!! I have been to some very dark places in the past and nobody helped me to get out of them. Thankfully my wife and actual friends understand and offer encouragement. Those that just said "man up" have been eliminated from my life and my motivation has got much better for the majority of the time. Most mornings I don't fancy going to the gym, but after a few minutes on the elliptical x-trainer or treadmill, I am raring to go and start to push myself.

A small change is all that is needed. Even something as minor as having coffee instead of tea (or vice versa) in the morning, having a different breakfast or taking a different route to the gym, will all help to take your mind away from the negative thoughts bought about by depression.

When I first started to get fit I was so motivated. I had quit smoking and was determined to run my first 5k. Which by no means I want to be my only 5k. Now I just sit around and do just about nothing. I cant seem to even get out of my own way. I am taking anti-depressants but it doesn't seem to be helping enough, ideas?

I agree w/the folks recommending you get a check-up on that medication to potentially adjust the dosage/etc. and combining that with talk therapy. Depression has a way of dragging you down to the pit until you just succumb to it's heavy tentacles. Been there, done that!!

In the meantime, exercise will help tremendously. I realize you just said that's what you're having trouble doing because of the depression. So it's a vicious cycle: "I need to work out to help my depression, but I'm too depressed to get motivated to do anything." What to do?

One thing that works powerfully for me when I lack motivation, is accountability from outside sources. Find a few trusted friends (either IRL or online) who will agree to make a pact with you to help keep you accountable. When it's getting close to the time you need to exercise, and you can tell you're already fighting it, reach out to one of these friends. Call them, text them, put it on your wall here in MFP. Say out loud, "I know I need to exercise but I really don't want to. Someone please tell me to go exercise (and why). In return, I pledge to go do it."

There is some serious power in making pacts with friends. I have no idea why. It's almost like, I lack the power to make myself do it, but I'll happily submit to a friend's "authority". That might sound weird. I don't mean authority like they're dictating what you can and can't do. It's more of a pact and promise kind of thing. Works very well for me. And once you get the endorphins going, those will help keep you motivated from within yourself.

Lastly, be sure you're eating very clean. Get rid of as much sugary/salty/fatty junk as you can. That stuff wreaks havoc on the depressed mind. Lots of water. Lots of fruit, veggies. Natural as possible. When your biology is working, the mental/emotional has a much better fighting chance!

I hear you and feel your pain. I suffer depression too and am on depression meds. I also weigh 274 (my new number) so I understand how hard and discouraging it can be to get motivated to do anything but eat sometimes. Sometimes all you can do is jump on here and reach out for some support and take that and go on with your moment, keep on keepin' on it will happen. IT just takes us a little longer it seems because of the mental stuff and the physical stuff, exercise is good. We can do this together.