💭 What is happening?
Some people may:
- Feel very low
- Lose interest in things they used to enjoy
- Feel tired all the time
- Struggle with basic tasks
This can be part of
Major Depressive Disorder
⚠️ Everyday Struggles
A person may find it hard to:
- Get out of bed
- Have a shower 🚿
- Brush their teeth 🪥
- Eat meals 🍽️
- Clean their home 🏠
👉 These are not signs of laziness
👉 These are signs of distress
🤝 How to Support
❤️ Be Kind and Patient
- Do not judge
- Use a calm, gentle tone
✔ Say: “I’m here for you”
❌ Avoid: “Just get on with it”
🪜 Start Small (Very Important)
Break tasks into tiny steps:
Instead of:
👉 “Clean the house”
Try:
- Sit up in bed
- Put feet on the floor
- Walk to the bathroom
⏱️ Use Short Time Goals
- Try 2–5 minute tasks
- Small wins build confidence
👥 Offer Gentle Support
- “Shall we do this together?”
- “I can stay with you while you try”
🔁 Encourage Routine (Slowly)
- Wake up at similar time
- Small daily habits
🌿 Focus on Effort, Not Perfection
✔ “You tried today—that matters”
🧠 Understand Energy Levels
- Depression reduces energy
- Even small tasks can feel overwhelming
🚫 Avoid Pressure
Too much pressure can:
- Increase anxiety
- Make the person withdraw more
🆘 Know When to Get Help
If someone:
- Stops eating
- Talks about hopelessness
- Mentions self-harm
👉 Encourage professional support
🌟 Key Message
👉 Small steps = big progress
👉 Support, not pressure
👉 Being there matters most
📊 EASY READ POWERPOINT (Slide Outline)
SLIDE 1 – Title
Loss of Motivation & Depression Support
SLIDE 2 – What is Depression?
- Low mood
- Low energy
- Loss of interest
SLIDE 3 – Daily Challenges
- Showering
- Eating
- Cleaning
- Getting out of bed
SLIDE 4 – Important Message
- Not lazy ❌
- They are struggling ✔
SLIDE 5 – How to Help
- Be kind
- Be patient
- Listen
SLIDE 6 – Small Steps
- One step at a time
- Break tasks down
SLIDE 7 – Support Together
- Offer help
- Stay with them
SLIDE 8 – Build Routine
- Small daily habits
- Keep it simple
SLIDE 9 – Avoid Pressure
- No forcing
- No judging
SLIDE 10 – Get Help
- Speak to a professional
- Support services
SLIDE 11 – Key Message
Small steps matter
📘 TRAINING / TEACHING NOTES (For Professionals)
Understanding Low Motivation
Loss of motivation (avolition) is common in:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Trauma-related conditions
It affects:
- Energy
- Decision-making
- Task initiation
Key Principles of Support
1. Reduce Demands
High expectations = shutdown
2. Use Behavioral Activation
Encourage:
- Small, meaningful activities
- Gradual re-engagement
3. Co-Regulation
- Sit with the person
- Offer presence, not pressure
4. Normalize the Experience
Explain:
- “This is part of depression”
- “You’re not failing”
5. Build Mastery Slowly
- Focus on achievable goals
- Reinforce effort
Risks to Monitor
- Isolation
- Poor hygiene
- Appetite changes
- Suicidal thoughts
🧩 QUIZ (WITH ANSWERS)
Questions
-
What is a common sign of depression?
a) High energy
b) Loss of interest
c) Increased motivation
-
Is struggling with basic tasks a sign of laziness?
a) Yes
b) No
-
What is the best way to support someone?
a) Push them hard
b) Be patient and supportive
c) Ignore them
-
What is a good strategy?
a) Big goals
b) Small steps
c) No goals
-
When should you seek help?
a) When things improve
b) When there are signs of serious distress
c) Never
Answers
- b) Loss of interest
- b) No
- b) Be patient and supportive
- b) Small steps
- b) When there are signs of serious distress
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