Depression and Motivation

Hi @Wintersweet

Sounds like things are really tough for you right now. It must be hard for you. My thoughts on how to talk to your psychiatrist is to just be honest. I'm in my 50s and feel too old to 'beat around the bush'. I would just come out and say that your current medication is not working and you need a change asap. I remember when I wanted to change my anxiety medication and my GP wanted to wait a while longer. I had to stand my ground and say no, I want to change now. She hesitated but at the end of the day I need to be in control of my own healthcare and I knew I was feeling awful for too long.

I hope things pick up for you soon

Hanami

@hanami

Thanks for your kind reply. It’s reassuring to hear other people have successfully advocated for change with their medical treatment. I feel like I’ve been very blunt with my psychiatrist but he still doesn’t “get” it. Maybe I should just show him a picture of the inside of my house and tell him it’s an accurate representation of not just my functioning with respect to basic self care but also my social, mental, emotional, work and physical functioning too.

Oh @Wintersweet that's frustrating that your psychiatrist doesn't get it. I'm sorry that's happened before. It's not easy to get into a psychiatrist so I wouldn't suggest to find a new one. It could take months! All I can offer is to keep trying or even take someone with you who is good at speaking up to those in 'power'. I think psychiatrists can be intimidating because of their 'high up' status in the mental health system. But at the end of the day it's important you get the right medication and health care.

Sending hugs

Hanami

Thanks @hanami

Having joked about the photo thing I’m tempted to go through with it to prove the point 😅

I'd be tempted too @Wintersweet ! Can't hurt. Sounds like you need to pull out all the 'tricks' to get them to listen lol

Hey @Wintersweet ! I know this sounds silly but I find the best motivation to do the basics, shower, eat breakfast etc, is to try and be a cheerleader for yourself instead of self flagellating. Tell yourself, hey, I got this, I'm a strong amazing human and I can walk to the shower and get in! I can put the bananas in the blender and make a smoothie! And imma feel refreshed an better after! And hey! I literally posted in the forums the other day asking for someone to inspire me to have a shower! We're here for you, just drop in whenever you need a bit of a support or a push and I guarantee someone will be there for you 🙂

@Wintersweet hi i have been struggling with something similar recently i am not sure what the best way to try and get motivated is but you are not alone in your struggles. as for the psychiatrist it can be very hard to get them to listen that you need something different but you know maybe showing them the picture isnt such a bad idea either way it is their job to listen so if they arent maybe a different approach is needed to communicate. idk just some thoughts hopefully things ease for you soon.

Hello @Wintersweet and welcome to the forums.

I struggle with motivation too and have tried following the fly lady who says to just start by “shining your sink” and our homes didn’t get messy in a day and we can’t fix them in a day….so baby steps. I’ll find the link for you. FlyLady.net

Sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn’t but I keep going back to her suggestions.

My psychiatrist hasn’t changed my meds for ages but she is very understanding of my lack in f motivation.

Take care and I hope you find help on these forums.

Thanks @hanami @LeChuck @Eve7 and @Eden1919

I really appreciate you guys supporting me and sharing your experiences. I especially appreciate your support of the non-conventional photo idea. I’ll give it a try and see if it works.

I also appreciate the practical nature of the “cheerleading” approach. I’m not sure if I could do it without triggering my inner critic cause she’d hate me doing that even jokingly. Its good to have it shared though cause it will probably help someone else. 😊

@Wintersweet bloody inner critics. They're such assholes.