How to Find Your Passion When You Are Depressed

Young woman looking sad as she wonders how to find your passion when you are depressed.

A key symptom of depression is the inability to feel pleasure from things you used to enjoy. It’s not uncommon to hear people who are experiencing depression make statements such as “I don’t know what I like anymore,” or “Everything feels pointless.” There is even a clinical term for this: anhedonia. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone, and you’re not broken. 

Depression affects the parts of the brain that are involved in motivation, reward, and focus, which is the prefrontal cortex. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression, also known as major depressive disorder, impacts how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. When your brain is working against you, even small tasks like brushing your teeth or making a phone call can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering how to find your passion when you are depressed, the first step isn’t forcing yourself to feel inspired. It’s understanding what’s happening in your brain and starting with the smallest, most compassionate next step.

Young Asian woman learning how to find your passion when you are depressed by painting.

 

Reconnecting with Curiosity, Not Pressure

Research shows that behavioral activation, the practice of doing small, value-driven activities even when you don’t feel like it, can be just as effective as medication or therapy in treating depression. It is grounded in the well-established idea that depression can make us withdraw from the very activities that bring us joy and purpose. Over time, this avoidance can deepen feelings of sadness and disconnection. Through Behavioral Activation, we work to break that cycle by intentionally choosing small, meaningful actions that can help lift mood and restore a sense of engagement.

You don’t need to have a five-year plan or a sudden burst of inspiration to begin behavioral activation. Often, the best way to start is by paying attention to what stirs even the faintest spark of curiosity for you. For some people, that could mean:

  • Reading a few pages of a book they used to enjoy
  • Watching a documentary about something new and interesting 
  • Trying a new recipe or listening to a different genre of music
  • Taking a short walk and observing how they feel afterward

When you’re able to approach life with genuine curiosity instead of pressure, you may have a better chance of rekindling your interest in your passions.

FAQs: How to Find Your Passion When You Are Depressed

Not necessarily. You don’t need to be “fully healed” to explore something that brings you joy or curiosity. In fact, engaging in small, meaningful actions, even when you feel low, can support your recovery. It’s okay if it doesn’t feel amazing right away. The goal isn’t to find instant fulfillment but to experiment with what might help you feel more connected or alive. Some people find it can be helpful to keep an “activity monitoring log” and lists of activities that help you feel more “up” or positive or more “down.” You can find examples on pages 9 and 10 of this PDF.

That’s more common than you might think. Many people don’t have a singular “passion,” and that’s okay. Passion often grows from doing, not necessarily from thinking or waiting. Starting small is okay. Follow your curiosity, try new things, and notice what feels tolerable or mildly enjoyable. With time, your interests are likely to develop into something more meaningful.

Depression affects brain chemistry, especially in areas responsible for energy, reward, and decision-making. That’s why even simple tasks can feel exhausting. Remember that you’re not lazy or broken. Motivation often follows action, not the other way around, so doing just one small thing, like getting out of bed or stepping outside, can shift your internal state.

Yes. Therapy is often about reconnecting you with who you are. Therapists can help you explore your values, strengths, and interests without pressure or judgment. They can support you through the hard parts of recovery, including the frustration of not feeling connected to anything. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Depression often amplifies self-critical thoughts like “I should be trying harder” or “Other people handle this better.” These beliefs can make recovery even harder. This study highlights the significance of self-compassion as a protective factor that mitigates mental pain. Being kind to yourself is an important part of the healing process. Try reframing thoughts such as “I didn’t do enough today” to “I did what I could today.” Self-compassion practices can lower depression and anxiety symptoms and improve emotional resilience. Recognizing progress, rather than perfection, can help quiet self-criticism and rebuild self-trust.

Support systems can play an important role in finding your passion when you are depressed. Connection is one of the most powerful antidotes to depression. When you isolate yourself, your world shrinks; when you connect, your world expands. Support systems that include friends, family, peer groups, or a therapist can help you stay accountable, offer perspective, and remind you of your value. When you can share your experience, you can break the illusion that you’re alone in how you feel.  And remember, you definitely don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Even sending a short text like “Hey, I’ve been struggling a bit” can open a door to connection. 

If you’re feeling this way, it just means you are human. Depression can make hope feel dangerous because it’s easier to expect nothing than to risk getting hurt again. However, avoiding hope also means avoiding growth or the chance to feel better. The key is to take small and manageable actions. Instead of setting big, abstract goals like “find my purpose,” try something more specific, such as “I’ll step outside for five minutes” or “I’ll text a friend this week.” Each small win builds evidence that change is possible. 

Depression can make it hard to see what’s next, but small steps toward curiosity and connection can open the door to healing. Outpatient Los Angeles offers personalized support to help you rediscover what matters most, one step at a time. For support without judgment, contact us today.

 

Citations:

  1. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression 
  2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/25155-anhedonia 
  3. https://medicine.umich.edu/sites/default/files/content/downloads/Behavioral-Activation-for-Depression.pdf 
  4. https://medicine.umich.edu/sites/default/files/content/downloads/Behavioral-Activation-for-Depression.pdf 
  5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12038655/ 
  6. https://outpatientlosangeles.com/contact-us/
  7.  

What Are the Benefits of Yoga For Addiction Treatment?

Multiethnic yoga class discovering the benefits of yoga for addiction treatment.

When people think of addiction treatment, they often picture therapy sessions, group counseling, and medical care, but healing from addiction is more than a clinical process. It can also be physical, emotional, and spiritual. The benefits of yoga for addiction treatment are numerous, and include reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, and helping people reconnect with their bodies in a safe, mindful way.

At Outpatient Los Angeles, we recommend yoga and other holistic practices as part of our evidence-based, whole-person approach to recovery. Whether you’re new to yoga or returning after a break, this ancient practice can offer powerful tools to support your healing journey.

Man meditating in a yoga class to see the benefits of yoga for addiction treatment.

How Yoga Supports Recovery

Addiction often creates chaos in the body and mind and can lead to sleep issues, anxiety, physical tension, and difficulty being present. Yoga and related therapies are an effective tool for managing substance use disorders and can help reverse those patterns. A regular yoga practice can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, sometimes described as the “rest and digest” system, supporting relaxation, emotional balance, and overall well-being.

Research shows that when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan, yoga can reduce substance use, curb cravings, and ease co-occurring symptoms like depression and anxiety. It offers a practical, accessible way to regulate the nervous system and build resilience.

Yoga is more than stretching or physical exercise. Through breathwork, mindful movement, and meditation, it becomes a structured method for calming the body, focusing the mind, and reconnecting with a sense of inner stability. For individuals in recovery, this can be a grounding, empowering tool to use, especially during moments of emotional discomfort or vulnerability.

 

Rebuilding a Healthy Relationship With the Body

For many people in recovery, the body can house pain, shame, trauma, or more. Yoga creates a safe space to reconnect with the body in a gentle, non-judgmental way that invites curiosity, acceptance, and care. Feeling strong in a pose, breathing through discomfort, or noticing how your body feels after movement can help restore trust in yourself. It’s not about being super flexible or achieving a perfect pose; it’s about learning to listen to your body’s cues and respond with kindness. 

Over time, yoga can help participants build a sense of safety and ownership over their physical experience, one of the great benefits of yoga for addiction treatment. This reconnection lays the groundwork for better emotional regulation, improved self-esteem, and healthier decision-making in recovery. When the body is no longer an enemy, it becomes a valuable ally in healing.

 

FAQs About the Benefits of Yoga for Addiction Treatment

While yoga is not a substitute for medical detox, it can ease symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness during early recovery. Breathing exercises and gentle movement can support nervous system regulation and help clients feel more grounded in their bodies. Some people also find that yoga offers a healthy alternative when cravings arise, giving them a way to release tension without turning to substances.

Yes. Research increasingly supports yoga and mindfulness as promising complementary therapies for treating and preventing addictive behaviors. When used alongside standard treatments like therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), yoga can reduce relapse risk, improve mood, and increase engagement in treatment. 

You don’t need to be flexible, fit, or experienced to benefit from yoga in recovery. Most classes are designed for all levels, and yoga instructors tend to be great at including beginners and offering alternative pose ideas. Sessions are often slow-paced and gentle. The goal of yoga isn’t to see who can hold the most perfect pose; it’s to reconnect with your breath, your body, and what you need in the present moment.

Many people use substances to cope with overwhelming emotions, and yoga offers a healthier path. Through breathwork and movement, yoga activates the body’s relaxation response, lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), and helps reduce racing thoughts or agitation. Regular practice can rewire your stress response over time, making it easier to stay present and make empowered choices.

Recognizing these patterns is an important step in healing, and therapy can help identify triggers, build self-awareness, and teach healthier ways of relating to others. Couples or family therapy may also be beneficial in repairing strained relationships and fostering more supportive dynamics. By working through trauma with professional support, many people find they can develop stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling connections with others over time.

Yoga is often paired with mindfulness meditation, art therapy, massage, or acupuncture in integrative treatment programs. At Outpatient Los Angeles, we encourage practicing yoga with evidence-based clinical care and other wellness practices to address the whole person, including mind, body, and spirit. Holistic therapies are not just about relaxation, though it’s wonderful when they are relaxing. They can also help reestablish balance and reinforce new, healthier patterns in recovery.

Yes. One of the core principles of yoga is meeting your body exactly where it is. Many people in early recovery are dealing with chronic pain, tension, or health concerns related to substance use. The good news is that yoga can be adapted. Chair yoga, gentle stretching, and restorative poses are all excellent options that allow you to move at your own pace. Yoga isn’t about pushing through pain; it’s about listening to your body and choosing what feels safe and supportive. Even breathing exercises or guided meditation can be powerful entry points if movement isn’t accessible yet. Your yoga practice is your own, and every small step you take is a meaningful part of your healing.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but consistency is more important than intensity. Even short, 10 to 20-minute sessions a few times a week can make a noticeable difference in your mood, stress levels, and ability to stay grounded. Some people find daily practice helpful, while others start with one or two sessions per week. We encourage clients to find a rhythm that feels sustainable but not overwhelming. You might begin with guided classes, then explore building a home practice with the help of recorded videos or simple breath and movement routines. The key is to treat yoga as a supportive habit, not a pressure-filled obligation. Many people eventually find that yoga becomes something they look forward to practicing.

Yes, and for many, that’s one of the most transformative aspects of the practice. Addiction often comes with cycles of guilt, shame, and self-judgment. Yoga helps shift the focus from punishment to presence, from negative thoughts of “what’s wrong with me” to focusing on what’s happening right now. You’re encouraged to listen to your body, make choices that feel right for you, and notice your thoughts without believing everything they say. This kind of non-judgmental awareness can slowly rebuild your relationship with yourself, and you may begin to feel gratitude for your body’s strength or compassion for its pain. Over time, this self-acceptance can shine into other areas of your life, supporting healthier relationships and more confidence in recovery.  

Citations:

  1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5812135/ 
  2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23266-parasympathetic-nervous-system-psns 
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3646290/ 
  4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22187-cortisol 

How to Conduct an Intervention

People participate in an intervention.

The first step every recovering addict must take in recovery is acknowledging that they have a drug problem. It can be difficult watching your loved one struggle with addiction. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly half of Americans have a friend or family member who’s struggled with drug addiction. Oftentimes, people may want to help their loved one, but don’t know how. In this article, you’ll learn how to conduct an intervention effectively to help support your loved one’s recovery journey. 

At Outpatient LA, we offer a wide range of addiction treatment to ensure you receive the personalized care you need to maintain your sobriety. At our outpatient drug rehab, we understand that each patient’s recovery needs are different. This is why we provide patients with tailored care to ensure you receive the unique care you need to lead a healthier life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your unique recovery journey. 

People participate in an intervention.

5 Things to Do During an Intervention

Interventions, done right, can be an essential turning point in getting your loved one the professional support they need to overcome their addiction. Below are several things to keep in mind on how to conduct an intervention.

Set a Plan

First, it’s critical to set a plan, or a specific time, place, and set of close individuals to be at the intervention. The last thing you want to do is confront your loved one out of nowhere in a public setting about their drug addiction.

Be Open and Judgment-Free

Next, be open, judgment-free, and actively listen to your loved one during the intervention. This will help you avoid being confrontational and allow the individual struggling with addiction to feel seen and heard. 

Set Boundaries

It’s also critical to set healthy boundaries during an intervention. Boundaries protect your well-being, while also ensuring you are not accidentally enabling an individual’s addiction. For example, if you periodically loan money to an individual because they do not have a job, it’s critical to cut off financially supporting that individual, as they likely are using a portion of the money to fuel their addiction. 

Have a Plan to Talk About Professional Help

One of the primary aims of an intervention is to work toward getting your loved one to seek professional treatment to help them overcome their addiction. Therefore, be sure to express your support in helping them seek professional care.

Express Your Love for the Individual

Finally, it’s essential to express your love and concern for the individual struggling with addiction. This not only shows your loved one that you care for them, but also can help make the intervention feel less confrontational. 

Common Things to Avoid During an Intervention 

Now that you know how to conduct an intervention effectively, it’s also critical to understand what not to do during an intervention. Below are several points on what not to do during an intervention.

  • Do not confront the individual about their drug problem.
  • Do not unexpectedly confront an individual out of nowhere, in public, or among a group of people.
  • Avoid using a judgmental tone.
  • Avoid being unprepared. Do your research about addiction and potential treatment resources before the intervention. 
  • If the individual denies seeking treatment after the intervention, avoid getting angry. It’s critical to offer support, whether the individual acknowledges they have a drug problem or not. 

Help Is Available 

Now you know more about how to conduct an intervention so you can effectively express your concerns to your loved one. Interventions, done right, can play a critical role in helping your loved one acknowledge that they have an addiction and need support to get sober. It’s essential to remember to be open and judgment-free during an intervention to express your concerns, rather than coming across as judgmental or confrontational. 

Outpatient LA is committed to helping patients achieve long-term sobriety. We understand that addiction recovery is a lifelong journey that can be filled with many ups and downs. Our experienced team of addiction specialists is here to provide you with the unique care you need to best support your recovery needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery needs. 

Do You Need Addiction Treatment?

A woman sits and wonders if she needs addiction treatment.

Millions of people struggle with drug addiction each year, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Unfortunately, many don’t receive the professional help that they need to overcome addiction. Left untreated, drug addiction can destroy your physical and mental health and fracture your relationships with loved ones. This is why it’s critical to seek professional help if you are struggling with addiction. In this article, we’ll review signs that you may need addiction treatment. 

Outpatient LA is a leading outpatient drug rehab in Los Angeles that is committed to helping clients safely and effectively achieve long-lasting sobriety. Each client’s journey to long-term recovery is different. That’s why we offer a wide range of substance abuse and mental health treatment options to ensure you receive the right kind of addiction treatment for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey.

Signs You Are Struggling with Addiction 

Have you been wondering if you need addiction treatment? Below are several signs you may be struggling with drug addiction and need to seek professional treatment. 

1. Inability to Stop Abusing Drugs

Sometimes, addiction can be tricky to spot. However, if you find that you are unable to stop abusing drugs, even when you attempt to get sober, this is a major sign you are struggling with addiction.

2. Withdrawal Symptoms

Next, if you experience withdrawal symptoms when you don’t use drugs consistently, then this is another sign you are struggling with addiction. As your body becomes adapted to consuming an addictive substance, it grows dependent upon the drug. This explains why you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you stop abusing drugs. Your body has become so used to consuming the addictive substance that a failure to continue to fuel your addiction can cause uncomfortable symptoms like insomnia, irritability, nausea, tremors, and more.

3. Loss of Interest in Activities You Once Enjoyed

Another common sign you may be struggling with addiction is if you’ve lost interest in activities and hobbies you once enjoyed. Unfortunately, addiction can take hold of your entire life. So much so that you may start to lose joy in activities and relationships you once enjoyed and cherished. This is because when you struggle with addiction your thoughts become consumed with your drug addiction. And, as a result, you become less interested in other activities that bring you joy.

4. Engaging in Riskier Behavior Than Usual

If you find you are engaging in riskier behavior than usual, this is another common sign you may be struggling with an addiction and need to seek treatment. From ignoring personal and professional responsibilities to spending excessive amounts of money, addiction can cause you to engage in riskier and unhealthy behaviors that you wouldn’t otherwise have done if you weren’t under the influence.

5. Increased Tolerance

Last but not least, if you find you need to consume more and more of a substance to achieve a desired effect, this is another sign you are likely struggling with an addiction. As your body becomes used to consuming an addictive substance, your body grows a tolerance for the drug, and you need to consume more of that substance to achieve the same effect. 

Help Is Available 

Now you know more about how to tell if you need addiction treatment. If you are unable to stop abusing drugs and experiencing withdrawal symptoms, these are significant signs that point to addiction. If you or someone you know is battling addiction, it’s critical you seek professional help to break free from addiction once and for all. Addiction treatment offers a safe space for you to overcome your drug dependence and lead a healthier, happier life.

At Outpatient LA, our team is here to help you break free of addiction and achieve life-long sobriety. We offer individualized support to ensure you receive the tailored care you need to lead a healthier, happier quality life. Our outpatient drug and alcohol rehab offers a range of addiction treatment programs so you can receive the best possible care for your recovery needs. Ready to break free of addiction? Contact us today!

The Role of Therapy in Addiction Treatment

Therapy is effective in better managing mental illness symptoms. However, therapy in addiction treatment is also critical to help recovering individuals safely overcome addiction and maintain long-term sobriety. Addiction therapy plays several different roles in helping individuals effectively break free of addiction. Keep reading to learn more about the role of therapy in addiction treatment.

At Outpatient Los Angeles, we are a leading outpatient addiction treatment center that uses an individualized approach to help patients break free of addiction. We understand how debilitating addiction can be. Using a range of addiction treatments, our team is here to help you every step of the way so you can lead a healthier, happier life. Contact us today to start your road to recovery.   

Why Therapy in Addiction Treatment Is Important?

Addiction treatment is not just for safely detoxing and overcoming your addiction. Addiction treatment involves a wide variety of therapy approaches that can help you establish a healthier, happier life after treatment. Maintaining sobriety can be filled with many ups and downs; however, therapy in addiction treatment teaches you critical coping strategies and skills to help you maintain long-term sobriety. Below are several factors that explain the role of therapy in addiction treatment. 

Develop Coping Strategies to Maintain Your Sobriety

As briefly discussed above, therapy in addiction treatment helps individuals develop healthy coping strategies to maintain their sobriety long-term. Just because you detox and overcome your addiction doesn’t mean you’ll not experience old triggers and cravings to relapse. About 40-60% of recovering addicts relapse after receiving substance use disorder treatment. Therefore, addiction treatment therapies, both traditional and holistic, teach you healthy strategies to recognize triggers and reduce your risk of relapsing. 

Better Understand the Root Causes Of Your Addiction

While there aren’t sometimes clear causes to explain addiction or why someone has a more addictive tendency, therapy allows individuals time to better understand how or why they fell victim to addiction. And, as a result, work on those root causes to prevent them from relapsing. For example, if an individual was abusing drugs or alcohol to help relieve mental illness symptoms, that individual should seek mental health treatment to better manage those symptoms so they don’t fall back into abusing drugs to relieve their mental disorder symptoms. 

Develop Healthy Habits to Lead a Healthier Life

Therapy in addiction treatment can also consist of a range of holistic therapies like art therapy, music therapy, or outdoor-based therapies. Holistic therapies are not only helpful for progressing along your recovery journey but they can also be used when you transition back into your normal everyday life to help maintain your sobriety while practicing healthy habits. 

Rebuild Your Confidence and Sense of Identity

Therapy in addiction treatment also helps you rebuild your self-confidence and sense of identity that may have been fractured due to your addiction. Therapy gives you the ability to reflect on who you are and who you want to be once you become sober. Also, therapy gives you time to forgive yourself and apologize to others for your past, which gives you room to forge a new identity and better life for yourself and your loved ones as you progress on your road to recovery. 

Help Rebuild Relationships with Loved Ones

Finally, the role of therapy in addiction treatment is to also help rebuild relationships with loved ones that may have been fractured because of your addiction. Many addiction treatment centers have family therapy options where you can work towards meeting with your family and close friends and rebuilding those relationships. This is also critical in your sobriety journey as you can then lean on your loved ones for support as you progress along your road to recovery. 

Premier Los Angeles Addiction Treatment Center

Therapy in addiction treatment plays an important role in helping patients not just overcome addiction, but learn healthy coping strategies to achieve long-term sobriety. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional addiction treatment to help you achieve sobriety. 

Our team at Outpatient Los Angeles is here to help you every step of the way so you can take back control of your life. You should never feel too afraid to ask for help when it comes to leading a healthier life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you regain control of your life.