Loss of motivation in schizophrenia

[Anna]

Every day I struggle with loss of motivation. I stay in bed all morning and no matter how much sleep I have I am still lethargic and apathetic. It's definitely not how I want to be. The reason I am writing about it in this forum is because I feel very alone. For example, when I went to a supermarket yesterday I was looking around at the people there and thinking they all look awake and alive, why don't I feel the same? I wonder if there are other people out there who struggle with loss of motivation. I know life is precious and relatively short. I know I don't want to waste it sleeping and doing nothing. But that thought doesn't motivate me. To complicate things further, I have been diagnosed with depression and sleep apnoea as well as schizophrenia, so it's hard to tell which illness contributes most to me feeling so bad, maybe it's all three combined. I am depressed but not hopeless. I always keep in mind the hope that one day I will be able to get out of bed at 8 am having had about 8 hours sleep and feel refreshed. Sorry if this writing is a little disjointed but I have a bit of trouble mustering my thoughts coherently. Also when I get a bus into town I normally nod off and I think why do all these other peolple have the stamina to stay awake, but not me? About 10 years ago I used to get up at the crack of dawn and go swimming. It felt great. I'm not whinging about how my life is now. I still feel blessed. Things could be worse. But I do feel alone and in need of understanding and reasssurance that I'm not simply lazy.

 

[ThatLady]

The sleep apnoea alone is enough to explain the symptoms you're identifying, hon. It's not a lack of motivation so much as a lack of rest. If you don't breathe properly when sleeping you don't rest properly either. Therefore, when you awaken, you're still tired. It's as though you haven't slept, because the apnoea disrupts the normal sleeping patterns.

If you're overweight, losing weight can help to overcome this condition. If you're not, there is surgery to correct it. See an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist for further information on this procedure.

You're not lazy, Anna. You're just exhausted!

 

[foghlaim]

I wonder if there are other people out there who struggle with loss of motivation.

you are not alone inthis Anna, i do things because they HAVE to be done, not because i want to, i suffer with depression and it can be veryhard to get up in the mornings with that alone. I sometimes think why bother?? but i have found this site very helpful.

I hope yu do too, I can't offer any advice as i know nothing of the other 2 disorders you mention so i leave that to those you are more experienced in this area.

But you are not alone, i'm just letting u know i'm listening and wishing you well

nsa

 

[Halo]

Hi Anna,

First and foremost I want to say welcome to the forum and I hope you enjoy this place as much as I have.

I can also relate to the lack of motivation as just like NSA said, I suffer from depression and just getting up in the morning is difficult. I too do not suffer from the other disorders that you speak of but I am sure that having all 3 is difficult and can contribute to your lack of motivation.

Also when I get a bus into town I normally nod off and I think why do all these other peolple have the stamina to stay awake, but not me?

I can completely relate to this as I often (okay to be honest, everyday) fall asleep on the bus going home. Coming to work in the morning is good but after working all day (even if I am not that busy) I just feel wiped and like I could sleep for hours. I nod off all the time on the bus (I have even had other people that know my stop tap me on the shoulder and tell me to get off (talk about embarrasing). I think for me it is just a way of relaxing and re-grouping before getting to my next destination. I don't know if there is anything wrong with that, it is just that our bodies all require a different amount of sleep.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I am here for you.

Take Care
Nancy

 

[David Baxter PhD]

I am wondering if your doctor(s) is aware of the extent of your fatigue and exhaustion, Anna. That's important because it may be that a combination of factors is creating this problem for you. A change in one or more medications or in the doses of those medications may be helpful. Checking for B12, iron, magnesiium, etc., would probably help, too. If you haven't mentioned this or if it's been a while since you've mentioned this to your doctor(s), I would suggest that would be a good starting point.

 

[Rosa]

Hi Anna and welcome to the boards. I'm so glad you wrote, I know alot of us have problems with lack of energy and feeling alone. I would definately talk to your doctor as they might be able to make suggestions to you or adjust your medications. As one of those people in the supermarket you can rest assured that you are not alone-I look normal on the outside but sometimes looks can be very deceiving. I've been sleeping alot lately but I think its more do to boredom than anything else-that and sleeping is feeling soooo good to me right now.
Take care and hope to see you writing again soon.
Rosa

 

[Anna]

Hey ThatLady, nsa, Nancy, David Baxter and Rosa,
Thanks so much for your replies. They were encouraging and supportive. I've just had a full blood test which will check iron levels etc. Also I've started walking for an hour a day with my boyfriend. Even though I don't really feel like walking I just do it and always feel better afterwards. Life can get better I think. The sleep doctor told me to lose weight and get fit and come back for another polysomnograph in 6 months, so that's partly why I've taken up walking. Anyway guys, thanks for your support.
Anna

 

[David Baxter PhD]

That's excellent, Anna. I need to get out and walk more too

Come back and tell us how you're doing from time to time, okay?

 

[HA]

Hello Anna,

Having your bloodwork done is a good idea. I have a problem with low iron and my doctor tells me that it is a real problem for a high percentage of women.

I have been walking everyday for 20mts twice a day and feel much better for doing it. It actually helped with losing a few pounds. There are days I don't feel like doing it but I'm always glad that I did at the end of the day. I'm walking in the city so enjoy looking at all of the gardens!

Cheers

 

[ThatLady]

Good to hear from you, Anna, and good to hear you're out walking for exercise. I know a good, brisk walk always makes me feel better.

Be sure to keep us informed on how things are going with you. It's always great to see your name on a post.

 

[foghlaim]

nice one Anna, i'm glad you came back with an update, sounds like you are making progress. it's great that you have your boyfriend to keep you company on your walks. I'm delighted for you.


hope to see you here again soon

nsa