Why do I feel like I’m wasting my life?
Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.
– Written by
Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.
– Updated on September 7, 2025
Question
I’m an 18 year old male, living in California. Over the past few weeks my motivation to do anything has gone way down. I haven’t been to my college classes in almost 2 & a half weeks, because I simply am not motivated to go. I just don’t want to do anything. The only thing that gets me out of this funk is being with my friends and playing video games because I don’t have to worry about anything.
I stopped working out, put on a few pounds, and I have a job. That seems to be the only thing I’m really motivated for because I get money for anything I want. But other than that, I don’t want to do anything. I honestly feel like I have no place in this world and I’m destined to just sit on my ass (sorry for the language) and do nothing forever.
What should I do doc?
- Dr. Schwartz responds to questions about psychotherapy and mental health problems, from the perspective of his training in clinical psychology.
- Dr. Schwartz intends his responses to provide general educational information to the readership of this website; answers should not be understood to be specific advice intended for any particular individual(s).
- Questions submitted to this column are not guaranteed to receive responses.
- No correspondence takes place.
- No ongoing relationship of any sort (including but not limited to any form of professional relationship) is implied or offered by Dr. Schwartz to people submitting questions.
- Dr. Schwartz, MentalHealth.com, LLC make no warranties, express or implied, about the information presented in this column. Dr. Schwartz and MentalHealth.com, LLC disclaim any and all merchantability or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or liability in connection with the use or misuse of this service.
- Always consult with your psychotherapist, physician, or psychiatrist first before changing any aspect of your treatment regimen. Do not stop your medication or change the dose of your medication without first consulting with your physician.
Answer
You fit the description of someone who is depressed and anxious. When playing video games and being with your friends you do not have to worry about anything. The fact that you state this make me wonder if you feel pressured and worried about school, homework, quizzes, exams and term papers? These are the factors that cause countless number of college students to feel stressed and overwhelmed.
That fact that this loss of motivation raises the question of why this has happened over the past several weeks. You need to ask yourself if some additional stressors have interfered to increase your burden. Some additional stressors are problems at home, loneliness, breaking up with a girlfriend, and even drinking to excess and using drugs. Any of these alone or in combination, along with school issues, are enough to cause depression.
There are a couple of things you need to do. First, it is important that you get back to the gymn and resume working out. We know for a fact that exercise relieves depression and stress. It will also help you get some of that excess weight off.
In addition, you would help yourself by seeing a therapist so that you can talk about your problems and issues. Your school has a health center that usually has a student counseling service. Speaking to the school counselor or psychologist can be very helpful in sorting out your difficulties. This, along with exercise, are things I am strongly recommending.
Doing nothing about this will only cause you to feel worse. Feeling helpless and hopeless is never good. Get yourself going, exercise, go to the counseling center and get help.
In other words, get yourself moving and get yourself back to class.
Best of Luck
Medical Content
The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.
About MentalHealth.com
We are a health technology company that guides people toward self-understanding and connection. The platform provides reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its purpose is to educate, support, and empower people in their pursuit of well-being.
Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a somatic psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in clinical psychology and neuropsychology.
Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. is a medical writer with more than 30 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He writes on a wide range of mental health topics, including mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, abuse, stress, and relationship challenges.
Be the first to read new articles from Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.
Join MentalHealth.com for free to get updates
Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.
– Written by
Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.
– Updated on September 7, 2025
Additional Reading
The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.
We are a health technology company that guides people toward self-understanding and connection. The platform provides reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its purpose is to educate, support, and empower people in their pursuit of well-being.