Mental Health Monday: How to set goals when you have depression

Dragon Ghostwriters are mental health advocates. We are passionate about encouraging people to talk about mental health and dispelling myths that surround mental illness.

Here is an excerpt from Natalie's Book "Journal Through Depression" in which she discusses the difficulty many people encounter with goal setting when they feel depressed and lacking in motivation.

Goal setting and depression

Depression can make us think we can’t achieve our goals or that our goals are stupid, so there is no point trying. The likelihood of giving up when we encounter a challenge is also more likely, due to the depression lying to us.

Lack of motivation is also a common side effect of depression. Being unmotivated can make you feel lazy. You're not lazy, you're ill. What do you do when you are physically unwell? You go to the doctor, so please do the same for your depression, it's no different. Often when we are physically poorly we do what it takes to make ourselves feel better, and that’s what we need to be doing for our mental health. So set some goals and give yourself something to look forward to, and something to be proud of.

Why is goal setting important?

It might be difficult for you to think about the future when you find your present unbearable. But in order to move forward we need something to work towards, or we will stay stuck in the darkness. I'm guessing from the fact you are reading this book, that isn't what you want for yourself, or your future.