Yes: Depression really can make basic tasks feel impossible

Depression, or also depressive disorder, affects both the mind and body. You might collectively call the experience, brain fog, or cognitive dysfunction. 

Brain fog can make each day feel sluggish and numb—it can even make getting out of bed a monumental effort. Your life as a whole might feel cluttered, disorganized, and overwhelming to handle, and worsen your depression. This is an experience that can develop into a damaging cycle. 

How bad can it get? 

Depression depletes your energy—therefore, the motivation to keep up with life can be nonexistent. Unlike ADHD, where difficulties in task motivation are caused by a different reward system, depression “shuts down” your body. 

While depression occurs within one person, the toll can be immense. Without the energy to keep up with life, small and large parts of one’s life can be affected. For instance, if you stop brushing your teeth, it may take a toll on your physical health; if you stop studying, your grades could slip. Depression can affect your relationships, as you might feel too tired to go out or have others over.

The small and big impacts of depression can be an isolating experience for an individual, who may not feel like their loved ones and friends could understand. 

What can I do to help myself or my loved one? 

Menial tasks such as laundry or organization can be more manageable by being completed in increments, such as a small task or on a timed basis (ex. setting a timer for five minutes). Not only will tackling these tasks lessen the load on an individual struggling with depression, but release hormones and chemicals in your brain that reward physical activity. 

Otherwise, an individual struggling with depression needs time and patience. Prioritizing self-care, exercise, a good diet, and sleep can make a difference in mood and energy, as well as a positive attitude. 

It’s important to have compassion for yourself or your loved one, and to internalize the idea that just because someone is struggling, doesn’t mean they are failing.