Paralyzed from Depression

What do you do when you're too depressed to even get out of bed or make it to a doctor appointment for help. I am paralyzed. I'm not getting out of bed ever. I'm basically not functioning. The thought of making an appointment or leaving the house is impossible.

i lie down n acknowledge the feeling.

i hug myself like i'm hugging my inner child or my younger self n say: 'its okay. things will get better. everything will get all right. it's all right, i'm right here.' like i accept the emotions n just let them pass, often stare at the wall or sulk, roll in a ball.

then i force myself slowly to get up and eat something. mostly some fruit. i dont put any pressure on myself that i have to be happy n cheerful at every moment of my life.

What works for me is dividing everything into very tiny parts.

Can I go do the groceries? Hell no. Not gonna happen.

But... can I lift my right leg? A minute or so... yes I can. OK. Can I lift my left leg? Yeah. Can I turn? Yeah. Can I put my left foot on the floor? Yes. And so on. And if I get stuck at some point, I take a break or divide it into even smaller movements. I've made bike trips this way. Left foot, forward, step. Right foot, forward, step. Repeat. This way you don't focus on the enormous (at a moment like this) task but on the small little things. And do NOT think ahead. Do not think "I am on my way to do groceries". Think "I am on my way to make another step".

Big hugs. I hope this helps -- it really works for me. I may not do the thing very quickly or very efficiently, but it gets done.

Thank you so much for caring enough to respond. I'm not there yet with your suggestions but I hope to be.

Yesss good advice from Oliveira! I don't do every step but when I have to go somewhere I don't think about the distance. I just look at the next traffic light and think 'that's where I'm going' until I get there.
It's incredible how daunting every task is when your motivation is drained. I can waste hours upon hours lying in bed, but I find that's a good time to do some reading. Escaping into a good story can even help me feel motivated.