Is It Me, or My Hobbies? Uncovering the Reasons Behind Lost Motivation
Posted on 16th July 2024 at 12:13
Ever clocked out after a long week, finally free to unwind with that activity you used to adore, but instead of the usual joy, a big "meh" settles in? Scrolling through social media seems more appealing than going on that bike ride, popping to the gym, or losing yourself in a good book. And the thought of dragging yourself to do that thing that used to be your outlet just feels, well, exhausting.
For many working professionals, this might feel like a normal consequence of a demanding job. But what if there's a bigger reason behind the lost spark?
This lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities could be a sign of depression. There’s every chance it isn’t, but before you write it off, depression manifests differently in everyone. It's not always about feeling relentlessly sad. So, here are some signs to watch out for…
You’re starting to feel a bit ‘emotionally numb’.
Emotional numbness can manifest as a general sense of emotional flatness. The world can seem muted, with vibrant colours dulled to grey. Even positive experiences, like a friend's wedding announcement or being greeted by your dog when you get home from work, might fail to spark any joy or excitement. This lack of emotional response can be particularly unsettling, as it can leave you feeling disconnected from the world around you and questioning your own capacity for happiness.
It’s becoming more than just tiredness.
Fatigue and depression often come hand in hand. It's more than just the familiar ache of muscles after a long shift on your feet. Your eyelids might feel heavy as stone, yet when you come to sleep you find yourself staring at the ceiling unable to switch your brain off. Even basic tasks require a monumental effort and the fatigue you’re feeling isn’t just confined to your body. It can bleed into your emotions too, leaving you drained of motivation and enthusiasm.
You’re experiencing major changes in your appetite and sleep patterns.
Our bodies have a fascinating way of communicating when they’re struggling, but sometimes the messages aren't always clear. When you’re completely overwhelmed, you might notice significant shifts in your usual eating patterns. You could find yourself neglecting meals altogether, forgetting to eat in the busyness of the day, or conversely, experiencing uncontrollable cravings and reaching for food constantly. Sleep, too, can become an unwelcome guest. Falling asleep might feel impossible, leaving you tossing and turning through the night. Even if you manage to drift off, waking up feeling tired and depleted can become a regular occurrence. These changes in appetite and sleep are your body's way of signalling that something is off balance, and it's important to listen to these cues.
That negative voice in your head is getting louder.
It’s always there - that little voice in your head trying to bring a downer on your day. But recently, it’s getting harder and harder to ignore. This negativity feeds you a steady diet of doubts and insecurities, whispering that you're “not good enough”, “not smart enough”, and “never will be”. It thrives on highlighting your flaws and failures, painting them in the harshest light while conveniently forgetting your accomplishments. This barrage of negativity can erode your self-esteem and leave you feeling inadequate and worthless.
If you can find an excuse to get out of social situations, you will.
The social interactions you once eagerly sought now feel like a chore. Conversations that used to be a source of stimulation and laughter leave you feeling emotionally spent. Even the company of close friends or loved ones, once a source of comfort and connection, begins to feel overwhelming. An invisible wall goes up, and you find yourself instinctively pulling away, retreating further into yourself. This isolation can encompass all aspects of your life, leading you to withdraw from lunches with colleagues, skip family gatherings, and even politely decline invitations from those closest to you. It doesn’t happen overnight, but now you’re struggling to remember the last time you went out and met up with the people closest in your life.
Remember, these signs don't necessarily mean that you have depression, but they certainly warrant a closer look.
If you’ve just read through this list and said “Yup, that’s me” or “Eek, I do that” to more than one of the points, here are a few things you can be doing to start feeling like yourself again…
Be kind to yourself. Don't beat yourself up for feeling this way. Depression is a real illness, not a character flaw.
Talk to someone. Open up to a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or even your doctor. Sharing the burden can be incredibly helpful and sometimes are all that is needed to turn things around before they get worse.
Prioritise self-care. Focus on activities that nourish your mind and body. Get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and even schedule some "me-time" for hobbies you can still manage. Your definition of this might be different from before so take some time to work out what activities re-energise you now.
Ask for help if you need it. A counsellor or therapist can give you the tools to manage your emotions and develop coping mechanisms.
Taking that First Step
Losing interest in the things you used to love can be a symptom of a larger issue. If you find yourself constantly feeling "meh," don't hesitate to seek professional support. A therapist can help you reignite your passions, manage stress, and rediscover the joy in your life. Those who have had therapy often say they wish they had done it sooner and that it wasn’t anywhere near as scary as they thought it would be. Remember, you don't have to go through this alone.
Share this post: