Lack of motivation in life, don't want to do anything, feeling of meaninglessness is severe, what should I do?

Good day.

From your description, it appears that the sensation of purposelessness initially manifested following a failed examination. It can be inferred that this examination held significant personal value for you. The precise reason for your unsuccessful outcome remains uncertain, potentially due to inadequate preparation or other factors. It is evident that this experience had a profound impact on you, leading to a questioning of the purpose of academic pursuits.

Despite my diligent preparation for the examination, which included daily study, I was ultimately unsuccessful. This raises the question of the value of my efforts.

At that juncture, a plethora of sentiments may have been experienced, including resentment, indignation, distress, apprehension, and disquiet.

It can also be posited that the aforementioned circumstances did not engender courage, but rather, the exam failure has resulted in a diminution of one's intrinsic fortitude and self-assurance.

In contrast to the previous approach, which involved a high level of commitment and engagement, the individual now exhibits evasive, withdrawn, fearful, and worried behaviors. This shift in attitude suggests a lack of motivation and a questioning of the purpose behind their actions.

Furthermore, if one allows oneself to become entrenched in such a negative and low-energy state over an extended period, one is likely to become surrounded by the same emotions.

Furthermore, one is also caught up in this question. It seems that only by identifying the underlying meaning can one ascertain one's true motivation and needs. Consequently, one is driven to think and search for an answer, yet the search proves futile.

Similarly, if one asserts that they have prepared for the examination diligently, whether due to on-site performance or personal factors, the outcome remains unchanged. Consequently, it may be questioned whether our presence during the examination is of any consequence.

Does all of our strenuous effort and dedication ultimately prove futile?

It is inaccurate to suggest otherwise. At the very least, we have endeavoured to work assiduously towards our objectives, relishing the process and the pleasure of learning, and basking in the fulfilment and joy of self-improvement. Furthermore, we have assiduously supported the enhancement and growth that we have brought about in all respects. This learning process is, in itself, meaningful and valuable.

Meaning is not merely bestowed; rather, it must be internalized and experienced with sincerity.

One might inquire as to why an individual should endeavor to enhance their quality of life. The answer lies in the perception that one's existence is devoid of purpose and significance. In reality, however, every human being possesses intrinsic value and meaning.

Hello, I'm Gu Yi, and I'm excited to be here!

Absolutely! We all experience a sense of meaninglessness from time to time, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Then, we get to dig deep and find the source of this sense of meaninglessness!

The first time I felt this way was at the end of my 20s. One day, I suddenly started asking myself the meaning of my current studies. At that time, I had just failed an exam. Later, the feeling of meaninglessness would come and go, becoming more and more severe each time. Maybe before, I just doubted the meaning of doing something, but now I feel this way about my entire life.

I'm not sure about your current social role, but I'm excited to give you a rough analysis of the meaning of learning! This is a long-standing and highly topical issue, and I'm eager to dive in and explore why we learn and whether learning is always useful.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is an amazing theory of motivation in psychology! It's a five-level model of human needs, usually depicted as a hierarchy within a pyramid. From the bottom of the hierarchy to the top, the needs are physiological (food and clothing), safety (job security), social needs (friendship), respect, and self-fulfillment.

2. Learning is a wonderful thing! It doesn't have to be about making a living. In fact, there are so many ways to make a living. Learning the ABCs may not be useful to everyone, but if we have a little ambition, then learning will open up a whole new world of possibilities! The significance of learning is something that society and ourselves give it. This is something that can help us succeed in life!

3. Life is long but also short. I highly recommend the song "As Long as It's Ordinary." We can suddenly feel sad, but after this emotion passes, we still have to work hard to live. If you feel stressed, you can talk to someone or keep a diary. Add some colorful memories to your life!

Best of luck!

Hello, I'm Huang Xiaolu, and I'm thrilled to be here!

As you can see, the host has a clear memory and description of the situation, time, and events that caused this sense of futility in himself. This is a great start! However, you are not sure how all of this has made you who you are now, which is an exciting opportunity for growth and discovery.

Over the past year or so, I'm so proud of you for trying so many different ways to help yourself face life and study more positively. When you found that you could not handle these things on your own, you also made the great decision to seek professional help and use medical means to help yourself. There have been improvements and setbacks, but we are persevering and I know we will succeed!

You were absolutely right! The clinical symptoms of depression are exactly what you described: feelings of boredom, lack of motivation, and low energy. It's clear that depression is to blame.

This feeling of physical weakness and the pain caused by the internal need to move oneself can only be felt by oneself, and it is difficult for those around you to understand. But you know what? That's okay! It's a key point that makes it difficult for us to accept internally. And that's okay, too!

You're not sick! You're just going through a rough patch.

What to do? Absolutely cooperate with the doctor's treatment!

The best way to get along with it is to seek help from a psychologist. In the end, we just need to accept this depression, learn to get along with the depressed mood, and do the things we need to do every day when we have the energy. And we can do it!

Shopping and eating can give you a boost for a while, but they are not long-term solutions. The good news is that there are plenty of sustainable and effective solutions out there to help us adjust!

1. You can absolutely learn to deal with the impact of failing that exam at the end of your 20s! You can do this through psychological counseling, or by changing your perspective on the matter through self-regulation.

2. Let your family and close friends know that you're on the road to recovery! It's an adjustment period, but you're doing great. They can support you by understanding your needs and offering encouragement. When you're feeling down, remind yourself of this, but don't be too hard on yourself. When you need company, if they're free, I hope they can sit quietly by your side and help you see a new direction and positive things.

3. Start attending a psychological counseling service. Depression also requires companionship and therapy to help you recover. Medication can help us reduce pain and also help us more easily engage in life, but it may not necessarily maintain this state after medication is stopped. So we need to consolidate the good results in terms of cognition and emotion management. And cognitive behavioral therapy is currently a treatment genre that has been proven effective against depression—which means there's hope for you!

4. Learn and practice a form of emotional self-regulation that you find meaningful for the rest of your life! There are so many great options, such as mindfulness, meditation, or artistic stress relief. These can all help us learn to get along with depressive emotions.

5. It doesn't matter whether you feel that life has meaning or not. Just go about your daily life and studies as usual! When thoughts of not wanting to do things and not knowing what the meaning is appear in your mind, we just need to identify and tell the depressive mood, "You're here, what can I do? Try to complete the learning tasks and work arranged for today, and reduce the fluctuations of other thoughts in your mind. You can do it!"

I've got some great suggestions for you! Depression is like a psychological cold. We need to pay attention to it, but we don't need to blame ourselves for not getting better yet and for how we've become like this. When someone has a cold, they need to rest, and no one will blame them for taking time off work because they have a cold. Depression is the same. The current pain is temporary. As you said, when you're feeling better, you won't think about the meaning of life. In other words, you can get through it happily. Then let more of these times appear!

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Good day, I am Liu Hongyan, a listening therapist.

My name is Liu Hongyan, and I am a listening therapist.

I can see that you are experiencing difficulties due to a lack of motivation and a sense of futility. However, you are taking steps to address these issues and find ways to help yourself.

I am unsure if you would be interested in trying the following methods to help yourself:

1. Mindfulness breathing practice:

1. Select a comfortable seating position in a chair with your upper body upright and your feet firmly planted on the ground. Close your eyes gently.

2. Focus your attention on your nose and inhale slowly for approximately four seconds. Avoid inhaling deeply. Hold your breath for approximately four seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for approximately six seconds.

3. The exercise should be repeated for a period of two minutes, or longer if desired.

2. Behavioral activation exercises:

Sometimes, individuals avoid engaging with the external environment, limiting their exposure to potential sources of discomfort. While this can prevent certain experiences that may be challenging, it also reduces the likelihood of enhancing positive experiences in life. It is, therefore, crucial to develop the ability to step out of one's comfort zone and pursue activities that have been previously enjoyable or fulfilling, one step at a time. Alternatively, it is essential to establish desired goals and work towards them.

We recommend the following strategies and steps:

1. Begin with simple tasks, such as getting out of bed or sweeping the floor. Any task, no matter how small, can have a positive impact on your mindset. There is no success or failure, and the outcome of any task is valuable.

2. Monitor the relationship between specific behaviors and emotions.

One possible approach is to ask yourself what you did before you felt down and unmotivated.

Have you engaged in any activities that have brought you happiness and a sense of accomplishment, thereby alleviating your depressive mood?

What activities are you engaging in that yield only minimal results? (For instance, spending an inordinate amount of time in bed.)

3) Set a goal that can be achieved immediately, while also creating a weekly action plan, and provide yourself with a reward upon completion of the goal.

4) Gradually increase the number of actions you take, set goals that are slightly challenging, and recognize the satisfaction gained from achieving them. Strive to achieve a balance between pleasure and achievement.

Every action we take will have a positive effect on our sense of self-worth, reinforce our abilities, and bring a sense of pleasure.

It is also important to note that not every activity will result in continuous improvement. There will be times when progress is stagnant. It is essential to learn to accept this, as well as periods of regression.

As you noted, the treatment process has included both positive and negative outcomes, which are to be expected.

These methods are available for your consideration.

I also suggest that you engage the services of a counselor for a specified period of time to ensure stability in your counseling.

This is my response to your inquiry. I hope it provides the assistance you require. Best regards, [Name]

Hello!

It doesn't matter how old you are. When you hit a wall or feel frustrated, you'll inevitably ask yourself, "What is the meaning of life?"

It is therefore clear that people often think pessimistically and negatively when they feel vulnerable. However, few people will ask themselves this question when they are happy because happiness itself brings hope and a sense of meaning.

We must ask ourselves: does the meaning of life need to be pursued?

These are the three fundamental questions of philosophy: "Who am I?", "Where do I come from?

"Where am I going?" is a question that has a direct bearing on our daily lives. It gives meaning and purpose to human suffering. It causes our emotions to be out of our control, fighting against ourselves and occasionally cooperating with us to achieve our goals.

In breaking through oneself and accompanying oneself through experiences, one is not limited to defining right and wrong within a defined scope of thinking. Instead, one experiences the present with real feelings, thinks about it, pays for it, and gains from it, gradually accepting it as part of oneself. In the end, even pain becomes a unique part of oneself. When one is inadvertently "interviewed" by others, it is a value that cannot be copied and is uniquely attractive. There is no denying such value apart from oneself.

We must determine the meaning of life. It can be determined.

As I write this, some people may have already fallen asleep quietly, while others are still busy outside, and some are studying hard to review for exams. Everyone is working hard towards different goals. Their direction is directly related to their hearts. We must determine the value of the meaning of life of someone who wants to become a "bird" and enjoy freedom.

In the play "Swagger," the upright disciple asked his master, "Tomorrow, we will punish the cultists on the spot, but I don't feel comfortable about it. I think it's wrong." The master immediately understood and taught him, "What you do is the devil. The devil is in your heart, not in your eyes..."

Know yourself and observe your thoughts. This is the meaning of cultivating the mind. Becoming the person you want to be is the meaning and "way" of life.

You must learn to see yourself correctly.

Babies are the purest version of themselves, enjoying the most comfortable freedom and happiness. This is self-affirmation without interference from others. Nietzsche was right when he said that among the three realms of life, babies are the highest realm. People need to accept themselves in order to accept the world, and then live in the present, free and confident.

[Don't let your emotions control you. Affirm yourself.]

Children who grow up in a loving environment are less likely to experience negative emotions. However, children who are not so lucky must learn to cope with their feelings of sadness and helplessness at an early age. They must affirm themselves when they feel low and encourage themselves when they doubt their self-worth. People may seem fragile, but they are actually unprotected seedlings before they become strong. When the missing nutrients are replenished from time to time, people will not become listless and make a wrong judgment of themselves.

A healthy life is lived with a positive outlook and a zest for life.

Life is about eating three meals a day, and it is also about living a life of hardship. However, the former can ensure good health, while the latter may not be able to ensure a healthy life. Health is the prerequisite for pursuing all the joys of life. Therefore, those seemingly insignificant and unimportant daily activities are precisely the important conditions that ensure our peace of mind and a sense of beauty in life.

[Learn to smile, and you will get a warm smile in return.]

A disheartened young man will undoubtedly have his life transformed by hearing a kind word, simply because he has never been treated warmly before. Therefore, life needs a smile. When you smile, it enriches not only your expression, but also the expression of the person on the other side. In return, you will receive the warmth of others, which will make you feel less lonely at the next crossroads in your life.

I wish you happiness.