lack of interest in anything

jilliane · Post by **jilliane** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 5:59 am

One of my most significant symptoms of depression is lack of interest in ANYTHING. I used to be very involved in activities, now I'm lost. Part of the problem is that I am now living in a more remote area (rather than a big city where I lived when I was more active), so there is very little to inspire me around here. Advice?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:11 am

Are you living there alone? Can you move back? Are you working?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:13 am

It all depends on what you want to be inspired to do!

You could take a class on the internet - there are lots of free ones not for credit like:
<A HREF="http://open.yale.edu/courses/" TARGET=_blank>http://open.yale.edu/courses/</A>
or
<A HREF="http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/" TARGET=_blank>http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/</A>
or
<A HREF="http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/" TARGET=_blank>http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/</A>

You could take up a hobby (I know, believe me that it's so hard to even think of something you might enjoy doing when you are depressed - been there DONE THAT!

)...sometimes it helps to think about what you used to enjoy doing when you were a child. I have even heard of people just getting a box of crayons and going to town on a coloring book...and THAT made them feel better!

Walking is always a good thing - especially since spring is here and it's getting warmer...and there are lots of new growing things to look for (that is always hopeful to me).

Even just sitting in the sun and reading or just resting has bene proven to help a positive mood develop!

Depression can kick our collective butts...but we are stronger than it is! You can do this!!

Blessings,
Dawn

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:19 am

Originally posted by Britt55:
Are you living there alone? Can you move back? Are you working?

No, I'm married. I love my job and wouldn't be able to get half the house we can afford out here..

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:20 am

Originally posted by Prv31Mom:
It all depends on what you want to be inspired to do!

You could take a class on the internet - there are lots of free ones not for credit like:
<A HREF="http://open.yale.edu/courses/" TARGET=_blank>http://open.yale.edu/courses/</A>
or
<A HREF="http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/" TARGET=_blank>http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/</A>
or
<A HREF="http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/" TARGET=_blank>http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/</A>

You could take up a hobby (I know, believe me that it's so hard to even think of something you might enjoy doing when you are depressed - been there DONE THAT! )...sometimes it helps to think about what you used to enjoy doing when you were a child. I have even heard of people just getting a box of crayons and going to town on a coloring book...and THAT made them feel better!

Walking is always a good thing - especially since spring is here and it's getting warmer...and there are lots of new growing things to look for (that is always hopeful to me).

Even just sitting in the sun and reading or just resting has bene proven to help a positive mood develop!

Depression can kick our collective butts...but we are stronger than it is! You can do this!!

Blessings,
Dawn

Actually, I did sit outside yesterday and read. It felt great and just that felt like a huge accomplishment.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:28 am

Originally posted by jilliane:
Actually, I did sit outside yesterday and read. It felt great and just that felt like a huge accomplishment.

GOOD FOR YOU! Some people might see that as a little thing, but we people with depression and/or anxiety realize what a big deal it is! Don't beat yourself up over not being able to do more right now. You did something...and you're on here - so that's TWO SOMETHINGS

- so you are doing great!

Keep with it!

Blessings,
Dawn

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 2:57 am

This happened to me when I moved from Los Angeles to a small coastal town. It's a big adjustment. It gives you a chance though to create new and different interests and activities. I don't believe that we always need to keep the same interests we've had for years and that if you lose interest in past things it may be a sign of depression. I think sometimes we outgrow certain activities and interests and need to find new ones as we grow and change. Think of it as a growth spurt. Motivation follows action and if we are waiting to feel motivated it may not come. Any action will get some motivation going even if you have to force yourself initially and you may be surprised at a new interest that pops up.

Lew · Post by **Lew** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 3:11 am

hey this is a good chance for you to START something...

If you like reading - start a book club that meets at a coffee shop every 2 weeks...

If you like to exercise, join a gym or running club.

If you like music, join a band or choir or go to local music events to see raw talent developing.

Your big city life could be an inspiration to small town folk - you have a lot to offer them. Be a leader and lend a hand..

Good luck. Don't avoid people - make a schedule you HAVE to stick to so you will feel connected to the area and not stay at home alone depressed. It will take time but if you commit you will see change....

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 3:55 am

Jilliane, I think its a BIG plus that you like your job. Getting outside to read? Sure wouldn't do that here in WI but I could sit by a window whenever the sun pours in.

I like the coloring book idea even tho at times I thought if someone sees me doing that or it laying around they'll think I'm nuts. So what! I might just buy one when I go to town today. I'm in a small town.

I think the whole point is is to PUSH ourselves to DO SOMETHING because something is definitely better than nothing.