Lists are my friend. My partner and I both go through depressive episodes and are supportive when that happens. Last year I made a couple lists: things that have to happen once a year, seasonally, monthly, weekly. On top of that, lists for when I’m feeling good and when a depressive episode happens.
It’s basically a “what can fall to the wayside?” list.
So, when I struggle to get up and do anything, I force myself to get up each day for a couple things: I must brush my teeth in the morning and at night at least, I must do one thing that used to bring me joy (could be a puzzle, revisit a tv show, etc), and I must do one small chore (put some dishes away, wipe the bathroom sink, check the mail).
It’s all just stuff to try and fight without losing even more energy.
Everyone is different though. I hope you find what works best for you.
Lists are my friend. My partner and I both go through depressive episodes and are supportive when that happens. Last year I made a couple lists: things that have to happen once a year, seasonally, monthly, weekly. On top of that, lists for when I’m feeling good and when a depressive episode happens.
It’s basically a “what can fall to the wayside?” list.
So, when I struggle to get up and do anything, I force myself to get up each day for a couple things: I must brush my teeth in the morning and at night at least, I must do one thing that used to bring me joy (could be a puzzle, revisit a tv show, etc), and I must do one small chore (put some dishes away, wipe the bathroom sink, check the mail).
It’s all just stuff to try and fight without losing even more energy.
Everyone is different though. I hope you find what works best for you.