Days when it is difficult to move? lazy? or depressed?

[Naomi]

I find myself feeling lazy more often than not. I know that depression can cause you to not find joy in things you once did, so I try not to beat myself up over it, but sometimes it's so bad where I can't even bring myself to do routine things, like go to work. I have to tell myself "you need money to pay for this apartment you're currently standing in". It makes me feel awful because it's such a normal thing, just going to work, but I feel like I have to really convince myself, or I won't go. Fortunately I can seem to force myself to shower every day, that's always a nice mood boost. I know how difficult the struggle is, I hope everyone in this thread is able to find some relief.

Hang in there, Naomi. There are tens of millions of us who can relate to exactly what you are saying. I know that it seems like an oversimplification, but its just biochemicals at work in your brain. Whatever biochemical mix you happen to have on hand at any given moment (assuming your receptors are functioning normally) controls your mood. People tell a depressed person that they don't have enough "guts" or enough "heart". Nonsense! It has nothing to do with willpower or desire. Your brain dictates your mood and we all have limited control over the moment to moment function of our brains. You are not lazy. That is another term that is commonly wrongly applied to those suffering from depression. You have a lack of motivation. Think of yourself as a car that is low on gas. Or even empty. A person can have all the willpower in the world and they still can not get a car with an empty gas tank to move.  A "lazy" person is someone who is not depressed, yet chooses to go the easy route out of luxury. Also, make no mistake...a good percentage of the public is walking around in the same situation. Do not feel strange or different. I hate to think of you suffering like that. If you care to share...is this a long term problem? Have you seen someone about it? Are you being medicated?  Regards, RM

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. Yes, I am fortunate enough to be receiving treatment as well as medication.  I know it's a long term thing to work on, but I have that innate desire for short term relief, you know?  I know that one day things will be better if I keep working on everything, that's what I hold onto.