First, I'd like to talk about this problem that bothers you, your motivation problem. Over the years, psychology has worked out good methods for motivation. They're useful whether you're suffering from depression or not.

There’s a principle in therapy that you might call the Golden Rule of Therapy. A therapist once said, "In a nutshell, therapy is deciding on a goal and then finding the right baby steps to get you to that goal." It's the principle of baby steps, and it's very, very important for motivation.

This is a trick that's been used in behavior modification programs since the 1930s. If a task seems like it's too big, think of it as a series of tasks you can take on one at a time, and start with something really, really easy. Cleaning - start by cleaning the kitchen counters. Or, start by cleaning for 3 or 4 min and take a 5 min break. Short breaks are good but always watch the clock.

A famous psychiatrist said that when we can't control our feelings we can still control our muscles. If you tell your arms and legs to get you to the bathroom for a shower, they will obey.

Try this when it seems that you're too tired to work. Lie on the couch, close your eyes, and get ready to work by imagining yourself working for 5 minutes.

There's something very important to understand - the difference between motivation and energy.

People say, "I know there are things that will make me feel better - getting exercise, taking care of myself, straightening up the house and cleaning, but I'm depressed and I don't have the energy." The thing is, people do have energy when they're depressed - as much energy as they always do, but for some reason, the system is reluctant to let you use your energy. You have to use psychology to coax energy our of your system.

From the way you describe your situation, it seems that you're depressed. I suggest taking a screening test online, such as CESD R. The KADS 6-Item is for screening teenagers.

The test doesn't diagnose depression. It spots people who should be seen for diagnostics.

The things you'd want to tell the doctor are how you feel at different times of day and any symptoms you might have like change of appetite or sleep.

Of all the lifestyle choices, the one with the best evidence is exercise, and you don't have to be an athlete to benefit from it. Research shows that when people suffering from depression go for long walks with friends, this is very therapeutic (source - the lifestyle-depression project at the University of Kansas).

Again- remember the baby steps principle. Don't punish yourself with so much exercise you quit.

People should always talk with the doctor about exercise. This is part of the lifestyle-depression program explained in the book by Stephen Ilardi, head of the Univ of Kansas project. If you go to Metapsychology, you can read a psychologist's review of this book ("a splendid book").

Sweetie, what you're feeling is depression. You dont have to try, attempt, feel, or even think about suicide to be depressed. What you're dealing with is depression though.