I feel discouraged, what can I do?

“I feel discouraged, without desire, without energy to work on the goals I set for myself.“. There are many people who walk through their daily lives feeling that internal cloud. It is like an emotional sky where the sun never ends appearing and gray clouds slide in that never stop threatening a storm.

Is it apathy, disillusionment, or are we bordering the abyss of some psychological disorder? The truth is that each reality is unique, each mind lives in its own landscape and it is not easy to reach a specific conclusion that works for all of us. Discouragement is like rust that little by little eats away at all well-being. Likewise, it is not an emotional state that appears overnight.

Reluctance and low motivation emerge little by little, at first in a lukewarm and inconspicuous way. Until in the end one is fully aware of not being able to take it anymore. Of not finding reasons or motivators. These are situations that we cannot neglect or leave for later; In this sense, knowing its origin and acting is decisive.

We analyze it.

Why do I feel discouraged and what can I do?

“When I feel discouraged, I don’t like myself, I hate feeling this way because everything accumulates, I don’t see myself wanting anything and it makes me desperate to feel this way.” Let’s admit it, most of us have found ourselves at this same emotional crossroads. The most curious thing is that when we feel bad, we tend to judge ourselves more harshly.

Nobody likes to see themselves without desire and with minimal motivation. However, instead of criticizing ourselves or trying at all costs to reverse this psychophysical and emotional state, it is better to know why it happens. Treating ourselves with compassion is always more productive than using the classic internal dialogue that devalues ​​and judges..

Mood homeostasis and times of crisis

The University of Oxford and Warneford Hospital conducted research a few months ago. They wanted to know at what point discouragement correlates with depressive disorders. So, When someone says to themselves “I feel discouraged” it is common for them to wonder if they are suffering from depression..

Something we should know is that mood homeostasis often varies and this is completely normal. We will not always be at 100%, motivation is not a stable entity and desire, like happiness, comes and goes. Being discouraged, sad and unmotivated – not always – means that we have depression. Therefore, It is common and normal to go through times of certain discouragement, especially if the context around us is marked by change and uncertainty..

What can we do?

One of the purposes of discouragement is for us to stop and reflect.. This lack of energy and motivation may be orchestrated by dimensions that merit this reflection. Maybe it’s time to make changes, to think about whether we shouldn’t leave certain elements behind, such as projects or mistakes, and embark on new paths.

When I feel discouraged I must value organic aspects

The lack of energy, spirit and motivation can be due to health aspects that we may be neglecting. Thus, in many cases these states may have one of these causes behind them:

Anemia.Weak immune system and low defenses. Poor nutrition can cause us to lose spirit and strength.The insomniaas well as any sleep disturbance can lead to these states. Thyroid problems.Possible onset of dementia. This is an aspect that we must consider in the older population. One of the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is demotivation and mood changes.neurological problemssuch as, for example, alterations in the limbic system or the connection of the frontal cortex with the basal ganglia.

What can we do?

When discouragement lasts several days or weeks, it is always advisable to consult with our primary care doctor. Thus, and if organic problems are ruled out, it will be time to consult with a psychologist.

The different types of demotivation and their origins

Demotivation is multifaceted, diverse and complex. Furthermore, it does not appear from one day to the next and without a reason – although sometimes we are not able to identify it. There is always a cause behind it, there is always a conglomerate of situations that have led us to that emotional end that plunges us into demotivation, fatigue and apathy.

Therefore, it is interesting to know that there are potentially demotivating sources:

Work demotivation: when our professional project and dreams are not in tune with the work we do every day.Relational and emotional demotivation. This area includes everything from the relationship we have with our partner to those bonds with friends and family. Sometimes we feel like things are not going well and we don’t know how to act.Existential demotivation. Existential crises are often behind those who say “I feel unmotivated” every day. They are moments in which we feel that life loses its meanings, in which we do not see purpose, meaning or transcendence. They are very problematic states because they can lead us to depression.

When demotivation and discouragement become traveling companions, it is advisable to consult with a professional.. The mind that falls into this drift gradually moves towards isolation. The person stops experiencing pleasure, work becomes a very important source of stress and they may feel that they do not have the energy to carry out the simplest tasks.

It is important to start reformulating objectives, working on emotions, thoughts, self-esteem and values. Some approaches, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, can be very useful..

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