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[Gerard789]

Hello,

I'm a 20 year old male and for the last few years have been feeling very depressed during the summer. I think I keep feeling depressed during the summer because I am very bored and don't have much to do. I honestly think the boredom is leading to the depression, but i feel the need to get this off my chest so I figured I'd post something here.

I'm a very upbeat person and I rarely let anything bother me. No one would think I could ever become depressed because like I said my personality is very upbeat and I'm normally in a good mood. But like I mentioned above every time I get bored and don't have anything to think about or do, I immediately become depressed and unmotivated. This occurs during the summer more, as I have less to do during this time. For the last few weeks I have been wondering around my house doing nothing, and annoying members of my family out of boredom...xD

Lately I've had no motivation to do anything. I've been looking for a job but haven't found one yet. I want to do more with my days, but lack motivation to find a job, even though I think it will help me. This summer I haven't been productive at all....i sleep in late and spend most of my day avoiding simple tasks and not wanting to do anything. When I hang out with friends or play sports, I become less depressed and more motivated to do things, but once that ends, I soon fall back into being bored, I start to think of all the things I'm not getting done (and the things I could be doing, but not doing), and begin to feel depressed again. My depression comes and goes very quickly. I've tried to set goals for myself, so I keep could busy, but I always blow them off....as i really lack motivation. I also have been feeling very lonely, unrecognized, and have been lacking confidence. All of these things just lead to me becoming more depressed.

Basically I don't do much at all during the summer, and I'm constantly bored and unmotivated, which I believe leads to me being depressed. I obviously think I know what's causing me to be depressed, but every summer it keeps coming back, so I guess I'm just looking for some advice to help me become more motivated to do things and become less depressed.

Sorry if this post seems scrambled.....any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Edited by Gerard789, 19 June 2012 - 12:13 AM.

[Trace]

Hi Gerard789

Having no routine, leads to lack of motivation, which leads to depression. Once you are in that state it difficult to get out of it, but not impossible. During the summer you have no routine, so try and make yourself a daily routine. It does not have to be a massive list of things, just little things like have breakfast, go for a walk and the likes and then you can perhaps take on bigger things once you have small daily goals. By bigger things I mean starting a hobby, joining a club, doing volunteer work, get a part time job, but start with small simple things to make up a routine, it will build your motivation.

Trace

[sophie66]

I work in education and have summers off. Ordinarliy it just leads to a little boredom, but this summer I have become depressed due to some circumstances throughout the year. I would rather be working, but since I'm not I've been doing my best to keep busy. I know you feel unmotivated but sometimes you just have to force yourself! Like Trace said, start with little things and work from there. I go for a walk every morning and evening whether I feel like it or not. I have actually cried on some of these walks because I've been so down, but at least I got out and did it, plus I'm improving my physical health which is always a good thing.I make a list each evening of the things I want to accomplish the next day. I make it a short list so I don't get overwhelmed and I do my best to complete the list. This can be as simple as folding one load of laundry or loading the dishwasher. So far it has worked well for me and I am gradually adding more to the list. I wish you lots of luck!

[Gerard789]

Thanks so much for the advice guys!

I think I might try out that walking daily idea, I think I could see myself sticking to that. =]

[hartner2800]

i've had the same problem during summers the past couple years.

i just started volunteering at a place that serves food for the homeless. it's just two days a week - so its nothing major, but i find even that little routine really helps me. Also, knowing i'm helping people helps me stay confident in myself which used to take a dip during the summers and bring on my depression.

It's not for everyone and might not be possible, but you could give volunteering a try.

Regardless, I hope this summer goes better for you!!

[Narwhal]

I'm having the same problem. At first, I wrote long to-do lists and taped them on my nightstand, but when I went to bed at night and saw all the things I didn't do, I'd just feel even more depressed. So lately I've been making one small goal for myself every day, something simple that I know I can do. It can be something as simple as 'clean the cat's litter box' or 'fold laundry'. Being confronted by only one task is less intimidating, and even though it's a small thing, getting it done feels like a victory, and is very uplifting. My goal for tomorrow is to do some laundry. :)