How to motivate yourself to get up and make the first move when you're deeply deeply depressed?

[SplinterSplit]

The black dog has landed today. I don't feel I can move AT ALL. The one healthy braincell I have left says I HAVE to get moving & do something because moving eases depression, but I just can't see the point. I've got no purpose anymore. I've already achieved everything in life that I wanted to. I can't think of anything else that I want enough to get me moving. Give me a kick up the arse will you?

Hi xx
The Black Dog is a right arse.....it will trick you into thinking that you do not have the energy to do anything......but the fact of the matter is.....you DO have the energy to do it.
It's a trick of the mind....
You need to figure out what you enjoy doing and then do more of it.
What do you like to do?
Do you work?
What are you good at? X

I don't work. I'm too petrified to. I do have things I used to 'enjoy' doing but my body just says 'no' & freezes me to the spot. I'm very creative. It's like I've done enough of everything now, had my fill. Nothing interests me enough to get me to start moving.

The thought of doing anything is overwhelming. I haven't the energy for life anymore.

I get you. Totally. What about a bath or something? I find that helps. You don't have to do more than that for now. Do you like to paint or draw? How about something like adult colouring? Some days are like this and you just have to survive them.

I can relate to this very well so I understand. You are creative, that's a wonderful thing and the possibilities are endless. I am too but I struggle to do things that are for me, but sometimes if there's a purpose then that motivates me. Yesterday I started to make some Easter cards with small drawings on. Could you do something like that? Even getting out of bed and straightening the duvet is an achievement and a job done. Be kind to yourself and take baby steps.
Are you getting any help with your feelings?

Yeah I'm in therapy but it's long & slow... I am up washed & dressed so that's something. Two years ago I couldn't even move from bed.

Tiny things!
•draw back curtains
•make a hot drink
•run a bath
•put the radio on
•put a wash on
•sweep the kitchen floor
•change your bedding
•go out and buy a paper or a 99p bunch of daffs
Which of those can you do first @SplinterSplit?

Hey Splinter. I've been in this hole before, I'm sorry you're here today.

How far have you got this morning? Bed still, maybe the bathroom? Could you manage to give your teeth the most half-arsed brush ever, on the understanding you can go back to bed at any point thereafter if you need to? Just go far enough to get the taste and sensation of mint on your tongue from the toothpaste, you don't need more than that, and you can go back afterwards if you need to. Baby steps. Hugs to you.

Get your keys and go for a walk, the longest walk you can manage. Listen to the birds, notice the weather, look at everything around you and intensely focus on all of those things as you walk. Allowing your mind to wander into something other than how bad you are feeling. This will not 'cure' the black dog, but it will stop him yapping.

Go now. This minute.

Come back and post back.

X posted! Well done, can you go and buy some daffs or have a walk and a drink in a café?

Cross posted - you're up, that's great! How about just opening the front door? You can shut it again, but how about just opening it and looking outside and telling us what you can see - any birds, trees or people?

Thank you everyone. My physical hunger has motivated me to move & find something so at least that's a start..

Woman after my own heart - I would move mountains for food too

What do you fancy eating? What food do you like most? Can you go get it, and some fresh veggies /ready made salad alongside to nurture yourself with?

Veggies are absolutely what my body needs but I'm going to ignore that & satisfy my juvenile feelings with a croissant at a local caff. Thank you all again. I'm super-surprised I've managed to find some motivation!

Just plan to do something small and go from there. Something that would ordinarily give you pleasure or be fun, even if you are not able to access those feelings now.

I just focus on the very next step.

Yes the local cafe is the best option!

Walk there if you can, long deep breaths and feel the way your body moves as you go. You are doing this... a warm croissant and read a newspaper. Celebrate your achievement.

This has made me so happy!

Thank you @SplinterSplit 🙌🏻

I wonder if it's the depression taking your creativity, not the fact that your creativity has run dry making you depressed iyswim?

themighty.com/2017/04/advice-for-when-depression-takes-your-creativity/

^^ you may find this helpful OP.

A croissant at a cafe sounds just perfect. Enjoy and well done

Look after yourself OP. Give yourself a big hug and be kind to yourself x

Awesome, you're doing so well!

I find it's the small activities that don't require too much thought but that take up your thoughts if you get me, just enough concentration to ward off depressed and negative thinking. Making a shopping list and going to the shops, doing jobs around the house, tidying up, cooking a meal, and you get that satisfaction that you've achieved something if only small. That getting up feeling is that worst though, like walking through mud.

Op, I was only just lying here staring into the abyss, trying to find a spark to ignite me and your post and others have helped me.

So thank you