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17, on leave due to depression, lack of motivation, what should I do with my idle days?

severe depression hospital treatment emotional fluctuations loss of motivation guilt and uselessness
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17, on leave due to depression, lack of motivation, what should I do with my idle days? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

I am 17 years old and was diagnosed with severe depression last year. After spending a month in the hospital for treatment in January this year, I was discharged and took a semester off from school as a result. My emotions fluctuated until the end of April, but it was manageable. However, some events occurred at the end of April and the beginning of May, and my mood plummeted suddenly. I have no motivation to do anything, spending all day on my phone and sleeping. I often feel guilty and useless. Yet, the thought of studying or exercising or doing anything else is met with aversion and immense pain. Even the constant use of my phone brings me pain, and when I am in pain, I feel like I want to die for a relief. What should I do?

Sophia King Sophia King A total of 4173 people have been helped

Good day, question asker.

In light of your circumstances, I extend my support and encouragement.

I was previously afflicted with severe depression.

Following my discharge from the hospital, a change in my mental state occurred.

A lack of motivation to engage in activities is a common symptom of depression.

I frequently experience feelings of guilt and uselessness, which lead me to reject the idea of studying or exercising.

I also exhibited similar symptoms during my academic years. However, at that time, my family was not supportive, so I was forced to endure the pain and adapt. I can fully empathize with your current distress and concerns. Despite currently being employed, I also experience depressive episodes intermittently. However, through learning and practice, I have gradually learned to cope with this condition.

The underlying cause of moderate to severe depression is thought to be the result of an individual's inability to resolve specific issues or persistent challenges in their life, or the development of negative emotions due to misperceptions that have accumulated over time.

One potential avenue for addressing these issues is to undertake a comprehensive examination of the factors contributing to distress, with the aim of identifying and addressing the specific sources of distress. In this regard, it may be beneficial to seek the guidance of a qualified psychological counselor for long-term counseling and treatment.

Given the age of the questioner, who is only 17 years old, it is evident that their capacity to resolve issues and their level of self-awareness are still developing. It is not uncommon for individuals of this age to encounter difficulties in addressing challenges independently. In such instances, it is crucial to cultivate the ability to seek assistance and support from others.

The human psyche comprises three fundamental components: the id, the superego, and the ego.

The id contains primitive desires, which can be understood as our tendency to engage in immediate, transient gratification through the use of digital devices. The superego regulates our behavior in accordance with social and moral standards. This aspect of our psyche is more demanding and strives for perfection.

The ego and the superego are frequently in conflict with one another, which can make it challenging to resist the urge to engage in leisure activities like playing with your phone instead of studying, even though such activities are often perceived as less valuable.

The final aspect to consider is the self. This term encompasses self-awareness, which serves as a moderating force between the ego and the superego. The individual who is posing these questions can be conceptualised as the self in action.

What are the reasons for your reluctance to learn?

It is understandable that one would prefer to enjoy the present and avoid tasks that are perceived as difficult. This is a fundamental aspect of human nature, and the questioner should not feel excessive guilt about this. It is a common and normal tendency.

However, given your feelings of guilt, it is important to recognize that maintaining this state is not beneficial in the long term. It is also evident that you desire to implement changes, yet you are currently unable to identify an optimal approach to achieve this.

Despite the evident challenges associated with learning, it is a pursuit that continues to be undertaken by a significant number of individuals, and even one that is perceived as enjoyable.

The benefits of learning are manifold. For me, learning has the potential to renew my knowledge, expand my horizons, enhance my problem-solving abilities, and impart new skills. It can also facilitate career advancement, leading to a better quality of life and the opportunity to pursue one's interests. Furthermore, learning can foster positive social interactions and emotional experiences. When viewed in this light, the advantages of learning are indeed numerous.

Nevertheless, I found the process of studying unappealing during my academic years. At that time, learning was largely passive, centered on the acquisition of theoretical knowledge from textbooks. I found the practice of completing exercises tedious, and I experienced significant frustration when I encountered questions I was unable to answer, lacked the ability to formulate a response, or performed poorly on examinations. My family often attributed these challenges to my shortcomings.

Individuals who experience difficulties in other areas, such as social interaction, are more likely to associate these challenges with a lack of competence, leading to a negative self-perception. In such instances, the motivation to engage in learning activities may be significantly hindered.

It is recommended that self-negation be reduced.

Whether one is willing to acknowledge it or not, one's self-perception is not as negative as one might believe. In situations that have resulted in unfavorable outcomes, it is important to recognize that there are often multiple contributing factors. An overly negative self-perception can act as a significant constraint on one's ability to navigate these situations effectively.

It is recommended that expectations be lowered and that one begin with relatively simple tasks.

For example, the objective for today is to complete three questions. Upon completion of these three questions, the goal for the day will be achieved, allowing for relaxation and engagement with leisure activities on one's mobile device. In comparison to the previous day, when only one question was completed, has progress been made?

When an individual experiences positive affect, it is advisable to incrementally increase the level of challenge. Avoid making significant jumps in difficulty. Setting goals that are within reach is more conducive to long-term development.

It is important to identify a support group that can provide assistance and guidance when needed.

Such groups may include parents, friends, or even online platforms. In more professional terms, it would be advisable to seek the counsel of a mental health professional. Given your previous experience with depression, it is likely that your current state is not entirely stable. Therefore, having a reliable source of support and guidance can be highly beneficial.

My name is Big Brain Hole, and I extend my gratitude to you for reading this text.

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Bennett Bennett A total of 6063 people have been helped

Hello, classmate. I can see you're feeling confused right now, and I want to give you a big hug!

I'm here for you, and I'm sending you a big, warm hug.

If I were you, I'd definitely recommend going to yoga or a hotel with a meditation theme for a few days at the weekend, if you can. And try to spend as much time as you can in nature, surrounded by blue skies and white clouds!

I just know that when you return to your city again, you'll feel so refreshed and your mood will be so much happier!

It's so important to follow your doctor's advice and take your medicine on time, especially since you have depression.

If you need help, please don't hesitate to reach out to a professional counselor. They're there for you.

We've got some great news for you! The platform is now running a 525 discount promotion. You can get student discounts, with prices as low as 2 yuan.

The most important thing is that you need to find something that you're interested in.

I remember that in the final of the CCTV-1 variety show "Avenue of Stars," there were two contestants who were both on the road to recovery from depression. One of them even sang secretly in the shower, and it was his wife who discovered his talent and helped him sign up for the Avenue of Stars.

Absolutely! Your hobby doesn't have to be singing. It could be painting, dancing, writing, or anything else you enjoy.

It's so important to make time for yourself every day, even if it's just a quick stroll around the underground garage in your neighborhood.

It's so important to get out there and set yourself some goals every day.

For example, in the next two weeks, you can go to the supermarket next door; in a month, you can go to the gym near your home; in two months, you can go to the subway station near your home; in three months, you can go to the nearby food market, etc.

Treat yourself to a tasty snack every time you complete a small goal, or buy yourself some nice clothes!

I really hope you can find a good solution to the problem you're having soon.

I really hope these ideas help you! I'm sending you lots of love and support. ?

I really hope my answers are helpful and inspiring to you. I'm here for you, and I study hard every day.

Here at Yixinli, we love you and the world loves you too! Wishing you all the best!

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Comments

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Gomer Davis A person's ability to forgive is a sign of their spiritual depth.

I can see you're going through an incredibly tough time. It's important to reach out for help when things feel this heavy. Have you considered talking to a therapist or counselor? They might be able to provide strategies and support that can make a difference.

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Genevieve Jackson Success is the result of using failure as a catalyst for growth and improvement.

It sounds like you're carrying a lot of pain, and I'm sorry you're feeling this way. Sometimes even small steps can seem too big when we're in a dark place. Maybe there's someone close to you, a friend or family member, who you trust enough to talk to about how you're feeling?

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Pamela Steel The erudite are those who have climbed the mountains of different knowledges and seen the vast panoramas of wisdom.

Feeling the way you do now must be really hard. It's okay to not have all the answers right away. If it feels possible, gradually setting tiny goals for yourself could help, even if it's just something simple like getting out of bed or taking a short walk. Remember, it's fine to take things one step at a time.

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Derek Jackson A well - informed and learned person can contribute more meaningfully to society.

Your feelings are valid, and it's understandable that everything seems overwhelming. Professional help is crucial, but also try to identify any activities that used to bring you joy or peace, no matter how small. It might help to reconnect with those things, slowly and gently, as part of your healing journey.

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