[Curupira]

One of my issues with depression is that it feels like I am in slow motion. I have little to no motivation. My current strategy is to browbeat myself into doing what needs to get done. This works and makes it look to the outside world like I am fine but I am left feeling awful, with no energy, and unable to preform any non essential tasks.

Have any of you experienced this? Any suggestions on how to get out of the funk? I could really use some new/ healthier coping startegies.

OOooof. That's a really tough subject actually. It's a feeling of such amazing dissociation from the world around me and I have a bad habit of just falling right into the feeling.

For me, one of the best things to do is try to talk to friends. It doesn't have to be about anything important but it pulls me out of the haze just a little. Often my work doesn't get done but I at least accomplish other things which makes me feel better. Self motivation is kind of rare for me to gather so instead I get friends to come with me to the library (I'm in university) or drag my sister to go shopping with me or etc.

But if you know anything that is a little gentler than browbeating yourself it's a great thing to test it out and use (maybe something you enjoy? I like cooking or singing loudly). If I'm really stuck in the haze (and it's a really great thing you can recognize it) I try my best to focus and do what I can but then when I can't go on I go to sleep and try to get ready for the next day. Please don't beat yourself up for what depression does to you. I can tell you're working really hard You being able to recognize it is really half the battle! Good luck!

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Curupira.

Difficult... Here's how I function at a low level (that is, my highest level):

• Catch what few waves of energy and focus I have whenever they appear.
• I don't stress myself with trying to do things efficiently.

I wish I had better advice. I've never overcome the haze.