Do you ever feel like you just want  to disappear?

I want to tell you about some simple things that can help with motivation, and ***of course*** I am not saying that these things are a substitute for treatment from a qualified professional -  but they can help, in more ways than one. A famous psychiatrist says that going about our daily activities as close to normal as possible, maybe a bit slower, is very therapeutic. Study of behavior treatments for depression show that activity, esp. physical activity, like getting exercise with family and friends, out in the fresh air and sunshine, is very therapeutic.

People say, "I know there are things that will make me feel better - getting exercise, taking care of myself, straightening up the house and cleaning, but I'm depressed and I don't have the energy." The thing is, people do have energy when they're depressed - as much energy as they always do, but for some reason, the system is reluctant to let you use your energy.

We have to use psychology to coax energy out of our systems. Psychology has some nifty tricks.

Remember that you don't have to be an athlete to benefit from exercise. As little as 20 min brisk walking a day can help, and you can add to that gradually so long as you don't make yourself sick of exercise with too much and quit. 

 If you go to Metapsychology, you can read a psychologist's review of Dr Steve Ilardi's book ("a splendid book").He's the therapist and researcher who headed the Univ of Kansas lifestyle-depression project.

I'll tell you a couple of simple tricks that I've found to be very useful. I used to have a terrible problem with procrastination, and these things helped me greatly. 

This is useful for all kinds of things you don't feel like doing. If a task seems like it's too big, think of it as a series of tasks that you can take on one at a time, and start with something really, really easy. Cleaning - start by cleaning for 3 or 4 min and take a 5 min break. Or start by just cleaning the kitchen counters. Immediate gratification!  

Reading - start by previewing a chapter you're about to read, looking at headings, sub-headings, etc.

Short breaks are good but always watch the clock. Look for natural breaks, like after you finish a chapter or write an outline.

Staying on task - if you find yourself dawdling, wasting time while you're working, here's a simple fix. Decide how much time it will take to get a task done and do it in that time, watching the clock.

A famous psychiatrist said that when we can't control our feelings we can still control our muscles. If you tell your arms and legs to get you to the bathroom for a shower, they will obey.

Try this when it seems that you're too tired to work. Lie on the couch, close your eyes, and get ready to work by imagining yourself working for 5 minutes. Again, think in terms of taking it step by step and starting with something really easy.

I've answered a lot of depression questions, with advice from experts about standard treatments and self-help methods, which can enhance the effects of standard methods. Just click on my name and read if you like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqEM_jlDRZI

Depression is on the rise. You're not alone. So many don't know where this life is leading them. I think this video will make you feel better. It's about the chaos in our lives and how to deal with it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoiBpDjhCFE&featur...

I only felt this a few times.

Live life and enjoy it.

It is too short.

Yes. All the time. But it cost too much.

Occasionally but then I pray and remember God's promises in His Word and I feel better.  I urge you to ask Jesus Christ into your life as Lord and Savior.  Please read the New Testament.  Start with the Gospel of John.  There are answers to life's problems in the Bible.  Pray.  

I think one of the most important things we need is hope. To see a reason to believe that life going to get better. What has really helped me is knowing that this system of things is not what God wants for us, and it's going to end soon. The Bible calls these the Last Days (2 Timothy 3:1-5). It says that soon God will remove all these causes of unhappiness, including governments and wicked people (Daniel 2:44, Proverbs 2:22). He will rule over all humble and right-hearted ones, and life will be what He originally purposed in the beginning (Genesis 1:31). To learn more see JW.org. Take care.