[Daonnachd]

When extremely depressed, and disinterested in everything in life, how do you convince yourself to stay with it? I have been so down for the past two weeks, I don't care about my favorite activities or even want to try any of the unhealthy coping strategies I resort to.

None of the usual strategies work. Nothing is enticing. I basically sleep most of the day. How do I create desire for anything?

[Elbows]

Creating something is the best way for me to get engaged when I'm like that. I am a musician, and I find I can be super creative during depressive periods... though I may not come back to the pieces again because they remind me of the depression, it is still a release. Sometimes I build websites, write poems, cook a meal using a newly found recipe... Cleaning also helps me, I am normally very slow when I am down and energyless, but I still clean/tidy sometimes (dishes or floor or drawers, don't do too much)

here for you vertigo, don't feel bad about doing nothing.

[Daonnachd]

obrigão Going to try it. Slow walk so my mind can be empty.

I find it very difficult to feel ok about doing nothing, but you're right. Sometimes it can be good for us. muito ob.

[wiretwister]

I eat, ... not impressive just honest, ... all I live for is enjoying food, ...

[Daonnachd]

Normally food calls to me, but lately not even that. Never happened to me before.

[CopperStar]

Nothing really works for me like having a pet does. I am hardwired to live for something or someone else. I have a hard time with self-care or feeling motivated to do anything for myself, but I get an inner fire going when I feel like I'm doing everything for the sake of something or someone that needs me or depends on me. Major codependency issues maybe, but it's not problematic when it's focused on a pet instead of a person. I am currently trying to really hard to figure out how to orchestrate me obtaining a low-maintenance dog breed, maybe a rescue adoption. I know myself well enough to know that part of me will come to life when I feel that something needs me and depends on me. It's just the way my brain operates. Plus the companionship would be therapeutic.

[gayleggg]

I haven't found the answer to that question yet. I just sleep as much as possible.

I tend to watch lots of movies, it requires very little effort for the reward and if I can't handle it anymore I am already laying down so I go to sleep.

[emptyspace]

Originally Posted by wiretwister

I eat, ... not impressive just honest, ... all I live for is enjoying food, ...

Yes. Eat and sleep and eat some more.

My T suggests going to a place where there are people, but that always seems like too much work. T suggests like bookstores or coffee shops where I can just sit and watch.
The problem is I can't get dressed to get out of my apartment.

Other T ideas = exercise, low level like walking, journaling, volunteering, cleaning one area of my apartment so I can see progress, etc.

Still hard to do when all you want to do is sleep and eat.

[~Christina]

I think sometimes its best to just float ,don't try to fight it , give yourself a break , build up some strength and fight the battle another day.

My go to when feeling like this floating and Mindfulness

[elevatedsoul]

i've been fighting with this for a while now, atleast 2 years...
i've lost count....
i simply dont handle it at all
i go from hour to hour, trying to survive the day everyday
i also have anhedonia i dont get any enjoyment from moment to moment
its a very dark place to live
im looking for the answer as well, im sorry i dont have any good advice to give

edit:
PS:
i smoke weed every chance i get (which isn't often anymore)
but i find the weed really helps me, more than anything