When you've lost interest, how do you get it back?

BlueMerleGirl · Jan 30, 2017 at 11:19 AM

I feel like I get very little pleasure out of things these days, and half the time i don't want to do anything. On the weekends I'm trying to get chores done and take care of my daughter, and I rarely do any hobbies. I know that's part of being a mom to a toddler- especially a working mom- is having no time. But it's not just about time, it's about not having a desire. Sometimes I'll want to do things but most of the weekend I seem to end up feeling awful, as I've mentioned in previous posts. I do better during the week because I'm busy.

But really- how do you get interested in things and actually start doing hobbies, once you've gotten to the point of losing interest in basically everything? I mean obviously changing medication to work on the depression but what can you do beyond that? Sometimes the idea of having a hobby just seems like so much work. We just moved to a new place and haven't yet had anyone babysit.

introspectiveme · Jan 30, 2017 at 12:29 PM

I practically gave up on guitar two years ago, but i picked it up again two months ago. All i said to myself was to jusr hold for it a minute or two everyday. Don't stress yourself out. its not really about how good you're at it if you enjoy it.

betweenarock · Jan 30, 2017 at 01:10 PM

Its a long road for me. Takes time and effort

Fizzyo · Feb 05, 2017 at 04:01 PM

It's a long road, but baby steps are the best. Aim small, 5 minutes, a little treat like a scented bath, a candle, or two minutes on a puzzle or easy craft.......whatever you can think of. The hardest step is the first, then you can take the second. It's not at all easy but you're worth it your child will be happier if you can care about yourself too.

Good luck, wishing strength and ideas

IrisBloom · Feb 05, 2017 at 05:17 PM

Your interests will come back as you recover. If you are not feeling sort of normal after a couple of months with a new med, tell your doc and see if you can try another. No med will suddenly cure you, they work slowly and your recovery is a day at a time.

You do have a lot going on having a toddler and working, so just take it easy on yourself. Don't force yourself into anything. But as stated above, maybe try holding the instrument (or whatever) or google your interest and look at pictures. One day the spark will come back, I promise!

*Laurie* · Feb 05, 2017 at 05:52 PM

If your depression is being treated, try not to think too much about 'doing something'- just start doing *whatever* and you might find that you're interested in what you're doing. For example, if you used to knit, just pick up your knitting needles and yarn and start knitting, without giving the activity a lot of thought.

LostOnTheTrail · Feb 06, 2017 at 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by introspectiveme

I practically gave up on guitar two years ago, but i picked it up again two months ago. All i said to myself was to jusr hold for it a minute or two everyday. Don't stress yourself out. its not really about how good you're at it if you enjoy it.

Thank you...I'm struggling with playing guitar at the moment, and I think your strategy would really help me.

betweenarock · Feb 06, 2017 at 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

If your depression is being treated, try not to think too much about 'doing something'- just start doing *whatever* and you might find that you're interested in what you're doing. For example, if you used to knit, just pick up your knitting needles and yarn and start knitting, without giving the activity a lot of thought.

This works for me too. Its hard to fight the resistance but that is when I try to float. It can take a long time. Your brain needs time heal, just like a physical wounds. Treat yourself as nursing a wounded person. Therapy helps me. We don't get too intense anymore. Its not necessary but what she does, is let me talk and she helps retrain my brain. If that at all makes sense. When you have been so down even the smallest progress is well, progress. Right. You might need to find new interest. Mine was art. I still am not able to do it right now. I would love to get back into it but I'm not ready. Yesterday we drove through the forest for hours. No phones. No computer. Just fresh air and trees. Like a dream. Miles and miles of forest. Im exhausted today but calm.

betweenarock · Feb 06, 2017 at 10:24 AM

When you've lost interest, how do you get it back?

betweenarock · Feb 06, 2017 at 10:24 AM

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introspectiveme Member Member Since Jul 2015 Location: Asia Posts: 414 8 14 hugs given	Jan 30, 2017 at 12:29 PM #2 I practically gave up on guitar two years ago, but i picked it up again two months ago. All i said to myself was to jusr hold for it a minute or two everyday. Don't stress yourself out. its not really about how good you're at it if you enjoy it.
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betweenarock Member Member Since Nov 2016 Location: Texas Posts: 302 7	Jan 30, 2017 at 01:10 PM #3 Its a long road for me. Takes time and effort
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Laurie Account Suspended Member Since Jan 2015 Location: California Uber Alles Posts: 9,150 (SuperPoster!) 9 5,382 hugs given	Feb 05, 2017 at 05:52 PM #6 If your depression is being treated, try not to think too much about 'doing something'- just start doing whatever and you might find that you're interested in what you're doing. For example, if you used to knit, just pick up your knitting needles and yarn and start knitting, without giving the activity a lot of thought.
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betweenarock Member Member Since Nov 2016 Location: Texas Posts: 302 7	Feb 06, 2017 at 10:24 AM #9
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betweenarock Member Member Since Nov 2016 Location: Texas Posts: 302 7	Feb 06, 2017 at 10:24 AM #10 See the owl?
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