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Real members of MyDepressionTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
Cedar Rapids, IA
August 20
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MyDepressionTeam

Struggling to get out of bed is one of the most common and frustrating parts of depression. It's not laziness — it's a real symptom. The key is to start incredibly small, because even tiny steps count.

Here are some gentle strategies that can help:

- Pick just one thing — brush your teeth, drink a glass of water, open a Show Full Answer

Struggling to get out of bed is one of the most common and frustrating parts of depression. It's not laziness — it's a real symptom. The key is to start incredibly small, because even tiny steps count.

Here are some gentle strategies that can help:

- Pick just one thing — brush your teeth, drink a glass of water, open a curtain. One small win can build momentum.
- Talk to yourself kindly — ask what you'd say to a friend in the same situation, then say that to yourself.
- Reach out to someone — ask a trusted person to check in on you or do a small activity with you.
- Acknowledge fatigue as a symptom — low energy is something depression does to you, not a reflection of who you are.
- Create a comfort plan — on better days, write a short note or record a voice message to your future self as a reminder that things can improve. As one MyDepressionTeam member put it: *"Just think of one thing you have to do for yourself and do it! Take a shower, brush your teeth."*

Small steps really do add up. Be patient with yourself — you're dealing with something genuinely hard.

August 20
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Let It Ride...I think it's a song from the 70's!

August 21
A MyDepressionTeam Member

@A MyDepressionTeam Member glad you agree. I find that like you said 'letting the feelings ride' it causes less havoc in my own mind and not having to struggle and fight with myself. That should be a famous quote of some kind...I couldn't have said it any better!

August 21
A MyDepressionTeam Member

I agree with you, Michelle, on just letting the feelings ride, and eventually, they pass. If it's a few days or weeks even---which has happened to me when I've had major depression, I realize I need my meds checked and I need to talk to someone.

August 21 (edited)
A MyDepressionTeam Member

When I feel like that, I just stay in bed. I know the feelings will disapate eventually and maybe extra rest is just what you need? Everyone is different, but this has worked for me instead of fighting and pushing myself to get up. I eventually do.

August 21

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