I have severe problems with motivation and interaction when I'm depressed. I turn a lot of things inward. It takes a toll on all aspects of my life. Sometimes I need to take a break from working, which isn't ideal. Other times, I don't have a job. One job blew up in my face when I went from mania to depression.

As far as what I try to do: These days, I recognize when I'm depressed that I must force myself to talk to someone who is seemingly non-judgmental. This is when I seek out a therapist who can track me weekly. Regular med visits are important too (my pdoc will sometimes see me weekly starting out for meds, then biweekly). I admit I withdraw a lot, but finding little things to comfort me sometimes helps a little bit. When in the darkest deepest depression though, it's hard to do anything at all.