How to Cope with Lack of Motivation when You Have Major Depression

As someone who suffers from Major Depression, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to have little - or absolutely no - motivation to do just about anything in life. It seems that depression can rob a person of any joy that normally comes from anticipating doing things - even favorite things like long-loved hobbies and crafts, playing with pets and children, exercising, and so forth.

For me personally, I have always been very motivated to get to work. As an entrepreneur, I have enjoyed starting businesses and managing them. Daily, I have eagerly anticipated getting to work to assess the "state of the union," tweak performance, and provide oversight and leadership. Seeing the work my husband and I have begun spring into action and thrive has been exciting and rewarding. But, depression has changed all of that for me.

Lack of motivation can make it feel as if there is no reason to do anything.  Most adults can easily see what needs to be done.  Someone with Major Depression cannot get it done.  This is the difference.  For most adults just seeing what needs to be done brings with it the motivation to get the task or job done.  That is all the motivation that is needed.  Depression somehow takes that normal drive out of the person and leaves them with the understanding and knowledge of what needs to be done but without the will to do it.  Knowing that others may judge their behavior as lazy, incompetent or otherwise apathetic adds feelings of guilt to the person with depression. 

1. Add structure to your days. Most people function better on a schedule. If you work independently, set a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Create a task list daily and work to accomplish some tasks on it each day. Be sure to give yourself credit and plenty of positive self-talk for getting some things done at the end of every day!
2. Eat well and get plenty of rest.  Nothing can replace taking good care of yourself when you are experiencing depression.  You are going to feel tired.  Combat fatigue by being sure you get adequate rest at night and take a short nap in the afternoon if needed.  Eat good balanced meals and snacks.
3. When you really don't feel like doing something, do it anyway.  The motivation or urge to work, play, craft or whatever it is you would like to feel like doing may not appear while you are depressed.  But don't miss out on the daily activities of your life, the big and the small, because the motivation isn't there.  Jump in and get started when you can.  At the end of the day you will feel better having accomplished something.  Depression may rob you of motivation; don't let it rob you of your life.