[JosephK]

Struggling with pretty severe depression. I've struggled with depression before 5 times, but now I've been in my 6th depression for over 6 months. And I've really struggled to do anything.

My days consist mostly of scrolling social media and watching Youtube. I do cook and I do spend some time every day writing on a short story. But beyond that it's like I can't be motivated to do anything. It's like I don't care about anything anymore.

Anyway, anyone have any ideas what I could do about it?

For the record, specific medication recommendations are welcome, however do be aware that:
1. I've been on antidepressants before 2 times. The first numbed me out so hard it made me feel worse, so I stopped. The second did nothing, even at high doses, except give me side effects. I'm not completely closed off to trying antidepressants again, but I'm not exactly optimistic about them either.
2. I'm on a waiting list for a psychiatrist to discuss medication with them. But this waiting list is months long, so I can't do much until then.

[darkfeary]

Unfortunately, I can totally relate but I have no real suggestions since I do not have answers myself.

I hope that you find an effective solution soon though and that the new psychiatrist is helpful.✨

[RandomOccurrence]

Have you tried altering your diet? Eating healthier can help on occasion, same with fresh air and sunlight. Depression is a struggle, and it feels like a hopeless unending battle, which is exhausting and kills motivation. I can't speak for medications as I've never been brave enough to seek that level of help, but one trick that helps me personally is changing the verbiage I use. I do not consider myself a motivated person, but I do strive to be disciplined and a good person. With that knowledge of myself, I will use the word discipline to push myself to keep moving and doing things. I may not feel motivated or desire to get out of bed, but I'm disciplined enough to do it anyway. I'm not trying to say it's easy or simple, but offer a trick I learned that works for me.

[Fuzzybear]

[MuddyBoots]

I get it. Have you tried setting some ridiculous small goals involving self-care? If what you're doing is scrolling social media and watching youtube, maybe set the phone or computer or whatever aside and eat something healthy. Take a shower in a way you WANT to do it (personally, when I have access to it, I like using a nice scrub like Dr. Teal's and listen to some music). Brush your teeth, reminding yourself it's just a two minute thing that you are completely capable of. You don't have to do all these things at once.

Take it slow, focus on the small things/the very basics of self-care. But you need to start by ending the scrolling and videos. You won't be missing out on anything, and it'll always be there later.

[SmokinEllah77]

as other ppl mention, take it slow and start with some small goals first, they dont need to be important, just something that takes your mind off the mindless youtube doomscroll