Hi, I’m Ilia Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor in Suwanee, Georgia, and I want to talk to you about getting things done when you are depressed and don’t feel like you can give 100%.
When you are depressed, even simple tasks like showering, doing dishes, or answering emails can feel overwhelming, and you might think, “If I can’t do it all the way, there’s no point in doing it at all.” That type of all‑or‑nothing thinking can keep you stuck and make your depression worse.
Instead, it can help to tell yourself that if something is worth doing, it is also worth doing partially or imperfectly. Maybe you rinse a few dishes instead of cleaning the whole kitchen, or you answer one email instead of clearing your inbox. Doing a small version of the task still moves you forward.
Allowing “good enough” effort when you are depressed can reduce shame and build a sense of accomplishment, which can slowly increase your energy and motivation over time, even if you are nowhere near your usual 100%.
