The Psychology of Depression and Anxiety - Dr. Scott Eilers How To Keep Going When You Feel Nothing
Oct 31, 2025
When motivation fades and emotions dull, it’s often dissociation at play. Explore how to act on your values rather than feelings, even amidst emptiness. Learn the importance of maintaining sleep, movement, and nutrition for emotional health. Engage with loved ones and hobbies to spark joy back into your life. Rebuilding enjoyment is essential, as it's a skill that can be reignited. Discover practical strategies to navigate through the void and emerge stronger, as your emotional capacity can return over time.
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Motivation Is Fueled By Feeling
- Motivation comes from moving toward pleasure or away from pain as a basic rule of behavior.
- If feelings power action, losing feelings (dissociation) removes motivation entirely.
Dissociation Equals Emotional Shutdown
- Dissociation is a shutdown where you literally feel blank and lose the emotional fuel for action.
- This can be brief for most people or chronic after trauma or mental illness.
Two Faces Of My Depression
- Dr. Scott Eilers describes two depression modes: constant pain and emptiness that removes motivation.
- He shares that emptiness wiped out years of his life into moments he barely remembers.
