Lack of Motivation Related to Depression
How to Cope with Severe Lethargy Due to Emotional Withdrawal
Apr 13, 2009
Depression is a condition of general emotional dejection and withdrawal. This disturbance of mood is characterized by a loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities and can affect anyone.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Although a severe lack of motivation is one symptom of depression, a person must exhibit many other symptoms before being diagnosed as clinically depressed. In the same two week period, a depressed person will experience five of the following symptoms, which reflect a definite change from usual functioning:
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day;
- Increased/decreased appetite or significant weight loss/gain;
- Fatigue or loss of energy;
- Decreased interest or pleasure in activities;
- Change in sleep patterns, including insomnia or hypersomnia;
- Agitated or sluggish motor activity;
- Diminished ability to concentrate or make decisions;
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness, and;
- Repeated thoughts about death or suicide.
Even if a person experiences five or more of these symptoms, it is difficult to perform a self-diagnosis and therefore, one should seek medical advice if depression is suspected.
Seeking Help for Emotional and Mental Disorders Like Depression
Unfortunately, many people suffering from depression are reluctant to seek professional help. There is still a stigma associated with the psychiatric disease and depression is often viewed as a sign of weakness. But, the fact is, depression can be emotionally crippling and is not easy to simply "snap out" of the episode.
Someone suffering from severe depression should talk to a doctor, therapist, psychiatrist, school counselor, psychologist, friend or relative. Getting things off your chest can make a huge difference. There are also hotlines or online forums where people can connect with others who are experiencing and living with symptoms of depression.
Falling Into a Slump Due to Depression
Often times, feelings of sadness can lead to extreme lethargy. When it starts to become difficult to even get out of bed in the morning, there are a few things a person can do to get out of a slump before it is too late.
- Start small. If a person is having a hard time getting started in the morning, it may be because they are overwhelmed with the day’s priorities. Minimize. For example, instead of performing a vigorous workout routine, it is better to start with a couple minutes of exercise everyday and work up from there.
- Shower and groom. Lying around in pajamas all day can have a negative effect on a person’s mood. Simply showering and feeling clean can make an enormous difference, even if you’re not going anywhere. Begin the day as if you would normally do when getting ready for work. Brush your teeth, comb your hair, shave; it will make you feel better about yourself.
- Get out of the house and do something. Staying home all the time can really get a person down. Just getting out of the house can put a person in a better mood. Even if it’s just a walk around the block.
If depression gets out of hand, both therapy and medication may be required to treat the symptoms.
Although medication may help control the symptoms of depression, a person must learn to recognize his own patterns of depression and develop his own way of coping with those symptoms. Left untreated, depression can become chronic and worsen over time.
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