How do you manage to get through the day? What makes you get up out of bed everyday?

This probably isn't anything worth talking about as I'm confident that there a people with situations worse than me. I'm just in a bad head space because my parents and significant other are arguing and they both hate the other and I'm getting blamed so I feel this all stems from me. Stress from work isn't helping either and participating in my favorite activities doesn't really ease my feelings anymore. I don't really want to tell my friends about this because I feel it's too embarrassing of a situation to be in, and I shouldn't have to burden them with my problems.
Asked by Legion
Answered
09/15/2022

Getting through the day when you are dealing with significant challenges like those you are describing can absolutely be difficult.  It can feel like an impossible task to get through the day when you are facing constant conflict and when you are getting blamed for the problems people around you are having.  One thing I want to assure you of is that your parents' conflict with your significant other is between them and has nothing to do with anything you have done.  It can be disheartening to see those kinds of conflicts going on, though, so it makes sense you feel badly about it.

It is concerning that you are feeling like the activities that would normally feel good no longer do.  When activities you once enjoyed are no longer enjoyable, it becomes much more difficult to enjoy anything outside of those activities as well.  I wonder if there is anything you still find enjoyable?  Even if there are things that you feel somewhat good about, those are important to make sure you are doing things for yourself to help with managing some of the feelings you are dealing with.  And as much as I understand the worries you have about the situation you are in and how your friends may perceive it, reaching out to your social supports is essential.  You don't necessarily have to tell them about what is going on and provide details about what is going on, but it can be really helpful to make sure you are staying in touch with them.

To answer your original question, I would first like to say: Don't downplay your struggles.  Even though you may be right in saying that others might have it worse, the struggles you are having are legitimate and are worthy of attention.  Just because others may have it worse than you does not mean your concerns are any less important. 

Additionally, getting through the day and finding the motivation to get out of bed is something that requires that you have something to look forward to.  Having something to look forward to right now may be difficult for you, so I'd start with smaller steps.  Pick one thing at a time to do that feels manageable.  When thinking of what you have to do in a day, choose something small that feels easy to handle.  Think of how you are feeling.  Do you have energy for the tasks you have to do?  Do you feel like you are able to follow through with a task, or does it feel too big?  Perhaps most importantly, are there ways you could either modify the things you need to do so they feel less overwhelming, or could you break them down into smaller tasks that feel more manageable if you do them one at a time?  

From what you're describing, it sounds like getting some help from a therapist will be helpful. It certainly sounds as though the struggles you are having are impacting your mood and that you are really struggling with feeling as though you can handle some of the problems you have been facing.  There is no shame in reaching out for help when you are struggling with the kinds of things you are sharing and it actually shows a great deal of strength to be able to open up about things the way you have.