Depression affects how hard you are willing to work toward achieving something depending upon the expected outcome of that achievement.
Tasks that you used to find simple now appear to require too much effort with very little results. This is an indicator of depression, not an indication of laziness.
Medication, therapy (or a combination of both) can effectively treat depression, and as treatment starts to take effect, your motivation levels typically return to normal over many weeks. Your physician can adjust your treatment plan at any time.
If you would like to discuss what you’re reading with someone, MedCanvas Psychiatry provides a complete psychiatric evaluation, prescription drug treatment and counseling services along with subsequent follow-up visits, either in-person or via telepsychiatry, for their patients in Minot, ND.
Why does motivation disappear during depression?
Depression is often perceived as a feeling of deep sadness, however, for many individuals experiencing this condition, the reality may be represented by a lack of motivation or energy to perform even simple tasks.
There is no physical pain involved with this form of depression; rather, the amount of effort required to accomplish routine activities seems disproportionately greater than what would typically be expected.
A checklist of depression symptoms include; decreased energy, taking longer than usual to complete daily activities, lost enthusiasm for hobbies and other interests, and difficulty with cognitive functions such as concentration and decision-making.
Does dopamine have anything to do with it?
Probably. The brain chemical called dopamine (associated with reward-based motivation) may be involved in the relationship between reward-based motivation and decision-making.
Earlier studies of both humans and animals have shown a link between dopamine and motivation for rewards.
Why doesn’t waiting to feel motivated work?
The reason you don’t start is because depression takes away the “feeling” that makes us want to do something. You will be waiting a long time for that feeling if you are waiting for depression to go away.
Is it laziness or depression?
Laziness is skipping something because you’d rather not do it. With depression, a lot of people want to do the thing and can’t, and then feel awful about it. That guilt is common in depression too.
A flat week can also just be a flat week. This rough comparison might help you tell which one you’re dealing with. It isn’t a diagnosis.
| What You Notice | A Rough Patch or a Lazy Day | Possibly Depression |
| How long it lasts | A few days, then it lifts | Most of the day, nearly every day, for weeks |
| What still feels good | Favorite things still appeal | Things you used to love feel flat or pointless |
| How it feels | Tired, bored, or distracted | Heavy, empty, hopeless, or guilty |
| Effect on daily life | You can push through when you need to | Basic tasks like showering, eating, or replying slip |
If you have had at least two of the symptoms listed above for a period of no less than two weeks, you should consider getting help from a professional. During a complete psychiatric evaluation, your symptoms, medical history and present health status will be assessed.
The professional can then develop a treatment plan based upon objective data instead of assuming what may help!
How does treatment bring motivation back?
Don’t expect a switch to flip! Most progress is gradual. A chore feels a little light or you do something and realize you didn’t dread it.
Treatment goes after the mood, energy, sleep and habits that made effort feel so costly in the first place.
What does therapy do?
Supportive therapy gives you steady backing while you work through things, and psychoeducation teaches you what’s going on and why.
A therapy aimed squarely at low motivation is behavioral activation. You schedule small activities and do them even when you don’t feel like it – this way good experiences slowly build up again.
What does medication do?
If you’re not getting better, your provider can change the dose, switch medicines or add another one. Combining an antidepressant with therapy often works better than medication alone.
Don’t stop suddenly. Some antidepressants cause withdrawal-like symptoms and quitting all at once can make depression worse. Talk to your provider first.
This is why follow-up visits matter. Doses get adjusted, side effects get talked through, and the plan changes as you do.
How long will it take?
Nobody can promise a date. Some people notice small shifts first, like sleeping better or having a bit more energy. If you’ve been stuck for a long time, it can take longer. If several weeks go by with no change, tell your provider. That doesn’t mean treatment failed. It usually means the plan needs changing.
What can you do while you wait for treatment to work?
You do not need to be prepared. Behavioral activation is based upon the concept of taking an action prior to feeling ready to take the action.
For instance, if your objective was to go outdoors; day one would consist of putting on your shoes, and that would be the entire assignment. Day two would consist of putting on your shoes, and stepping out onto the first stair. There is no one who will grade you.
- Pick something tiny, like brushing your teeth or drinking a glass of water.
- Attach it to something you already do, like right after your morning coffee.
- Decide the time the night before, so you’re not negotiating with yourself in the moment.
- Set a timer. When it goes off, you can stop. Five minutes counts.
- Write down one word about how it felt, even if the word is “nothing.”
- Tell someone. A friend who checks in makes it easier to follow through.
A bad day doesn’t cancel anything. Try again tomorrow. If even the tiny task feels impossible, tell your clinician. These steps support treatment. They don’t replace it.
When should you get help?
Make an appointment with your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as you can if you feel depressed!
If that feels like too much, start by telling a friend, a family member, or someone else you trust.
If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life, get help right now:
- Call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – free and available 24/7.
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you’re in immediate danger.
- If someone else is in danger, stay with them and call 911.
FAQ
Is a lack of motivation a sign of depression?
It is possible. Common symptoms of depression include lack of energy and decreased interest. Other factors that may reduce motivation include poor quality sleep, and other medical issues, which should all be assessed by a healthcare provider.
Why can’t I just push through?
Depression alters how effort and rewards are perceived.
It’s not about will power.
How long does it take for motivation to come back?
The length of time to experience results will vary depending on what type of treatment you are undergoing!
If you do not observe any positive change after several weeks of using the prescribed treatment then notify your healthcare professional.
Can therapy alone help with low motivation?
It’s up to your doctor/therapist to assist you in making a decision regarding whether you want to receive treatment through therapy, medication or both.
Do I have to feel motivated before I start treatment?
No, making that initial call is generally the most difficult thing to do. Treatment programs are designed with the understanding that many people will not want to initiate contact. Simply calling in, such as with an introductory phone call, can be enough to get started on the path toward treatment.
Does MedCanvas Psychiatry offer telepsychiatry?
Yes. MedCanvas provides both telepsychiatry that meets all requirements of HIPAA to patients residing anywhere in North Dakota and face-to-face appointments at their location in Minot. New patients may schedule a 15-minute initial consultation with no charge.
Talk to someone.
If you are having trouble getting motivated, and this has been a problem for some time, we would like to assist you.
Book an appointment with MedCanvas Psychiatry:book online or send a message, call 701-963-6917, or book through Zocdoc.
This article is for general knowledge, but it’s not meant to provide medical guidance. This article doesn’t offer a way to identify or treat any disease or disorder. For those who are experiencing a mental health emergency, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or call 911.
