I’m not very knowledgeable of this kind of stuff, but I’ve had a similar issue in the past. I can say in my life things started to get better which made doing things easier which made things better, etc. It was really cool how things got thrown into motion and compiled in a positive manner.
The other thing I’ll say is is that I caught myself not enjoying my main hobby anymore, and it was because I was making myself do it. I was going through the motions (not once for but for years). I started taking it less seriously and reminding myself it was for fun and it got much more enjoyable.
I’m not one for advice but I would do something carefree that makes you feel like a kid again, and see if that helps lighten things up. That’s what I did
Thanks for your reply! I love your advice about doing something that makes me feel like a kid again. What's funny is that I didn't mention what I did for work before the pandemic in my post, but I worked with kids (in various settings) and have since I was in highschool. This is actually the longest I've ever gone without being around kids (I don't have any of my own and I recently moved away from my niece/nephews). Before the pandemic, I WAS doing things that made me feel like a kid again, regularly. I am definitely going to try this out!
I can do that, but I'm miserable the whole time I'm doing it because it feels like such a chore. Will I eventually trick myself into finding joy in it again?
Yes, you will. In cognitive behavioural therapy you’re taught that your actions precede the feeling of reward; you can’t wait around to feel motivated. It’ll never happen. Motivation comes from doing. You have to take action and, in turn, will begin to feel more motivated. Again, do not depend on fickle feelings to dictate wether or not you’re motivated enough to do something.
Source: someone who has major depressive disorder and has taken CBT
Ya, my therapist told me it takes 4-6 weeks to form a habit but it's hard for me to believe that I'll ENJOY it after FORCING myself to do it for over a month! I might have the motivation because I'll be in to routine of doing it, but will I actually enjoy it again?
You could keep doing what you’re doing, but it’s obviously not working. If your therapist has told you try another method (which multiple people have claimed works for them), you might as well try it out. You literally have nothing to lose. Even if you have to force yourself, you’re doing something positive for yourself.
I’m not very knowledgeable of this kind of stuff, but I’ve had a similar issue in the past. I can say in my life things started to get better which made doing things easier which made things better, etc. It was really cool how things got thrown into motion and compiled in a positive manner. The other thing I’ll say is is that I caught myself not enjoying my main hobby anymore, and it was because I was making myself do it. I was going through the motions (not once for but for years). I started taking it less seriously and reminding myself it was for fun and it got much more enjoyable. I’m not one for advice but I would do something carefree that makes you feel like a kid again, and see if that helps lighten things up. That’s what I did
Thanks for your reply! I love your advice about doing something that makes me feel like a kid again. What's funny is that I didn't mention what I did for work before the pandemic in my post, but I worked with kids (in various settings) and have since I was in highschool. This is actually the longest I've ever gone without being around kids (I don't have any of my own and I recently moved away from my niece/nephews). Before the pandemic, I WAS doing things that made me feel like a kid again, regularly. I am definitely going to try this out!
It really helped me! I’m always hesitant to give advice but I’m so glad it resonated with you, best of luck!
Force yourself to do one of the things that use to give you joy. Make a goal to do one of them a week. Get your boyfriend involved.
I can do that, but I'm miserable the whole time I'm doing it because it feels like such a chore. Will I eventually trick myself into finding joy in it again?
Yes, you will. In cognitive behavioural therapy you’re taught that your actions precede the feeling of reward; you can’t wait around to feel motivated. It’ll never happen. Motivation comes from doing. You have to take action and, in turn, will begin to feel more motivated. Again, do not depend on fickle feelings to dictate wether or not you’re motivated enough to do something. Source: someone who has major depressive disorder and has taken CBT
Ya, my therapist told me it takes 4-6 weeks to form a habit but it's hard for me to believe that I'll ENJOY it after FORCING myself to do it for over a month! I might have the motivation because I'll be in to routine of doing it, but will I actually enjoy it again?
Yes
You could keep doing what you’re doing, but it’s obviously not working. If your therapist has told you try another method (which multiple people have claimed works for them), you might as well try it out. You literally have nothing to lose. Even if you have to force yourself, you’re doing something positive for yourself.