Understanding Lack of Motivation: When Is It Normal and When Is It a Sign of Depression? – 24vita

2024-03-26 10:30:00

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As of: March 26, 2024, 11:30 a.m

By: Judith Braun

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It’s normal for people to occasionally feel a lack of drive. But this can also be a symptom of depression. Two psychologists explain at what point lack of motivation can be considered pathological.

Lack of motivation is a widespread phenomenon that everyone has probably experienced at some point. For example, getting out of a warm bed in the morning can lead to hitting the snooze button on your alarm clock due to a lack of motivation. Even work or certain leisure activities may not always be met with enthusiasm. However, lack of motivation can also be a symptom of depression. You can use specific factors to assess your personal risk of this disease. In order to determine whether it is just a lack of motivation or already depression, there are other warning signs and early symptoms that indicate the mental illness.

Are you just listless or already depressed? These symptoms can be warning signs

Lack of motivation can make it difficult to get out of bed. If this condition lasts longer, it could be a warning sign of depression. © Olga Rolencino/IMAGO

Psychologists Stefanie Stahl and Lukas Klaschinski consider listlessness and listlessness to be normal human conditions, as people tend to avoid exertion and seek pleasant feelings.

According to Klaschinski, lack of drive is often preceded by fear of failure, which shows that the psychological component plays a role.

Routines in everyday life, says Stahl, can help to maintain desire and a sense of achievement by providing a stable, supportive framework.

Sport can not only combat listlessness, but also improve mental health as it promotes the release of happiness hormones and increases blood flow to the brain, explains Klaschinski.

Lack of motivation can also have physical causes, such as low blood pressure or fatigue, and should therefore be taken seriously.

An underactive thyroid or low hormone levels can also affect drive and should be examined by a professional.

Lack of motivation can be a symptom of depression, although different forms exist, including high-functioning depression, which is often difficult to recognize.

It’s important to be aware of the key features of depression, which include feeling depressed, loss of interest, and difficulty motivating, among others, as Stahl points out.

A depressive episode is diagnosed if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, with precise diagnosis and treatment (e.g. using antidepressants) carried out by professionals such as general practitioners, psychiatrists or psychotherapists.

In addition to medical treatment, certain behaviors can also contribute to mental strengthening, although it is important not to burden patients with unreflective comments such as “Don’t be so depressed!”, as this does not provide effective support.

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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.

The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.