Struggling to Blog – Depression or something more?

| marandarussell

Lately I’ve really been struggling to blog. I don’t feel enthusiastic or motivated about it. I’m not sure if I’m feeling burnout or what is going on. Have you ever gone through this as a blogger? If so, what did you do? Did you force yourself to keep to your blogging schedule anyway and just trudge through it? Did you take a little vacation? Find some outside way to motivate yourself?

I don’t think it is simply coincidence that this feeling has come at a time that I have been fighting off a deep depression, but I’m not sure if that is all of it. To be fair, it has been hard to motivate myself to do much of anything lately, but writing seems especially tedious right now, and I feel like I have nothing of value to say anyway 😦

71 thoughts on “Struggling to Blog – Depression or something more?”

  1. Oh my god. My heart goes out for you. I hope you get well soon. And I guess it’s okay to take a break from things. Do other things that makes you feel good and inspiration shall come. Much love, Namrata. ❤

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  4. I’ve also been struggling to blog. My life, in my opinion, isn’t very exciting to begin with, and I’m aware that what posts I have made lately are whiney and negative about my own silly little issues. I also know that, regardless of the side of the fence I am on, all of the negativity and spew of hatred over politics first, and still, over race, color and creed (although both are MUCH quieter these days!) took away a lot of my energy by requiring so much extra energy to armor myself to the best of my ability by being trampled down by the masses. I’ve been hiding out in books, reading an average of 10 each month so far this year, and it’s a place where I feel safe and protected, even when the storyline has horror and suspense. And maybe, after just over 2 years, I’ve achieved what I set out to do when I started blogging….

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  6. I totally went through this. My lapse lasted a couple years. For me, I think I had spilled out so much history and so many emotions that one day I just felt an emptiness when it came to writing, almost like I had nothing more to give of myself. However, just a few months ago I somehow found my way back and have started posting again consistently. I think sometimes we just need a break, and writing isn’t something that can be forced. Whenever I tried to force it, it just didn’t feel organic and that came across in the post. Give yourself time. It will come back. HUGS!

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      1. If I can’t get out I look through a resource (photos, books etc.) and write short pieces about the visual experience, I find it a helpful discipline when energy is low.

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  11. Sorry to hear about the depression, Miranda. I think a break sounds good. Blogging can be very time-consuming, so remember self-care. When I get in a rut, some things I do are take walks in my neighborhood, meditate, and journal. Anything to refresh and hit the reset button! 🙂

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  13. ON HER!!! RULES AND REGULATIONS WHICH SHE!!! BREAKS REGULARLY!!!

    💜 I Told Parents, particularly My Marvellous, Maddening, Miserable, MALEVOLENT!!! Mom, and Other Authorities, like Religion, to PISS THE FUCK OFF!!! then Let Me Be; ergo this is where it Gets ExtraOrdinarily Interesting EveryOne…because here I AM; released from a Prison Cell, Divorced from a Mad Bitch of a Former Wife, I AM a Drunkard; it’s Crystal Clear Clarity NOT!!! a Good Catch…so, Do I NEED!!! I Continue with This Ridiculous Male, Miserable, Maddening Diatribe; or just Continue Masturbatory Solo Sexual Satisfaction 🤔 ?…yet NOW!!! Away from ALL that ‘Mommy Dearest’ ~ Movie I AM Incredibly HAPPY!!! yet it does Sadden Me that I No Longer Have My Biological Former Family it’s WHAT I WANT!!!

    …💛💚💙…

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  14. When I didn’t have words to blog some years ago, which I don’t think I was depresses then, I took a couple of months break and it helped.

    I have also took breaks for burnout before and had a months break one year from my previous blog.
    I am feeling burnout quite often now, due to issues in my life I have blogged about and how I have been feeling last weekend and again today, regardless I have things to write, I feel I may be having a months blogging break some point.

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  16. There’s nothing wrong in taking a break from creative endeavors. For me, forcing myself to write, draw, paint etc. rarely produces any sort of spark. The inspiration will arrive when you least expect it. You do have much of value to say and when you are ready, you will. 🙂

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  17. I’ve had times of struggling with writing, and I’ve come to see them as part of a rhythm. Ideas and writing don’t always flow smoothly, so I’ve seen the struggles as a kind of “dry season.” To deal with the struggles, I try to remind myself of expectations — that down times happen. I go on walks most days, and those help. If I’m working on a larger project (like a novella), I’ll lower my focus to a simpler piece. I’ll write flash fiction or a poem. Something loose and rough. I think it’s very important to be kind to yourself and not have unrealistic expectations. Everybody needs to take breaks. Everybody’s output will fluctuate.

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  18. I enjoy being creative, and I enjoy visiting other bloggers and giving feedback but sometimes I go days or longer without doing either and then I must delete notifications. I try to do so without guilt but I still feel it. However my brain tells me that there are so many parts to my life – I need to be social by phoning, and emailing, I need to get fresh air and exercise, I have projects and some of them are urgent, and I need to read and be silent, I like to challenge myself by learning and I volunteer. I feel like these are all the legs on my table and I try to strengthen each leg equally so it stands balanced. In your situation I feel like you might be telling yourself one of your table legs needs time. Best wishes always.

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  20. Totally. I feel this way all the time. But I also feel this way about everything else in life, yet I manage to stick to a schedule. Same with blogging. Maybe it’s a blessing that I feel this way. Anyway, wishing you all the best!

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  21. Oh oh.
    Shall keep you in my healing prayers Maranda.

    These are tough times and anyone of us can go under water and depressed. We have different ways of handling it. Don’t force yourself. Meditate more. Answers would come.

    This too shall pass. Good or bad thing about life my friend is – that nothing lasts…

    Love and hugs 💖🤗

    Ashok

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  22. Speaking as someone who has taken many, many long breaks from blogging, I have to say that I understand. I also am of the firm opinion that everyone has something of value to say. I know that won’t mean much coming from another blog on the internet, but I can say positively that there are people out there that truly find value in your words.

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  23. Everything you have to say is always of value. But if you’re having a hard time writing, then take a short break for self care. Pamper yourself in some way. Maybe get outside in the sunshine or create some art. Sending you lots of loving energy 💖

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  25. I bought a wordsearch puzzle book at the grocery store. That sounds a little trivial, but I’ve been trying to find novel things to do like that…I’ve been pretty low on motivation too…maybe nature walks?

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  26. I feel where you all are coming from. I am new to blogging and I was really excited during the process of building the blog. Not more than a week after I published my dad died and I have been struggling to find my voice. I tried to write through the pain but it felt hollow. I like some of the other comments do not want to be a drag on readers so I have been hesitant to post anything that might be somber. I have received some good advice from friends and family to keep writing and expressing how I feel as an outlet. Then when these feelings have subsided I can see where I was and be able to look back at that time as growth.

    I still write all the time but have not posted anything in over a month, maybe their advice have help you.

    I want to thank you for being vulnerable in this post. It helps to know that you are not alone in things like this.

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  27. I can totally relate. I push through it as long as I can but you can only go on feeling that way for so long. I cut back on the number of posts I do as well as cut back at my day job and try to get out and enjoy the parts of life that bring me joy with that extra time.

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  31. I am going through the same situation with depression. It inspires me to write more but negatively. What I have stopped doing have been everything I love… I find tedious my job… I am living one day at a time. Overthinking burns my mind always….

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  32. It’s hard because I think our best content comes when we are in tune with ourselves and feeling good. I had a two week break from blogging which was difficult to push myself to do but I feel my head is a lot clearer now in the direction I want the blog to take. Have you tried working in a different environment that may offer some inspiration?

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  33. I understand so much. I have been feeling just like you, maybe even worse because for me it has been years since I have even opened my blogs, I not only felt no inspiration, no motivation to write, but a deep sadness in the fact I could not do the one thing that gave me the most joy, the most release and the most fun. But id like to say that like me finding my way back I hope you will find your way out of the darkness as well. Hugs to you

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  34. Hi, I’m a new blogger! But have had dealings with depression quite a bit. I suppose a break can’t really make you any worse, maybe change your surroundings for a short while and see how things are then. Hope you find it in you to carry on

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  35. I have been feeling the exact same things you describe here!! I think maybe blogging just to get things off of your mind can not only be therapeutic but can open up our minds for more creative thinking? Thank you for sharing, I hope you are feeling better.

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      1. I have felt guilty for not blogging, too, because this was something I was excited about. It’s hard to be honest with yourself let alone to blog about it. I’m grateful that you were willing to share, it was helpful. Thank you, again.

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  36. I’m feeling the same way with reading, even though I’m enjoying the book I’m reading. You may just be in a slump. First off, I don’t think it’s the worst thing to not blog every day. But if that’s your thing and you’re in a slump, here is what I tell my fitness clients and members at the gym – just show up and do something. Maybe you don’t feel like doing a full workout, so maybe just do some upper body or lower body. or if you just do some stretches, it can give you the energy you need to move. Maybe the same thing here. Maybe take a break, or just write a little bit. That way you’re doing something.

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