Struggling with bass burnout

[pepj]

Not sure you can play through it.
For me, playing is about inspiration and if you don't want to pick up the bass, then you can't.
I think the best you can do is find inspiration somewhere but you can't and shouldn't force it.

 

[Major Seven]

It is possible there is more going on than simply losing some affinity for the instrument.
Lack of motivation can be a sign of clinical depression, that may be worthy of seeking help.

Maybe examine carefully why you aren't playing bass.
How much have you explored, scrutinized, and introspected your mental state when you reach for (or fail to reach for) your bass?
What goes through your mind? How does it feel? what inner dialog do you go through?
can you force yourself to kick out some arpeggios around the circle of 5ths, even when unmotivated?

I'll also say, as someone who has a day job doing what I love:
I do not always feel like doing it. But I have to do it, an do it with a good attitude,
because it's my job and I am a professional.
doing the work, regardless of how you feel in the moment, is a critical professional skill to build.
You have to practice practicing when you don't feel like it. You can get better at it.

exercising my capacity to do unpleasant but necessary things has improved my life tremendously.

So check in on do yourself a favor and get the possibility,
and practice practicing

Definitely look into the angle

It is possible there is more going on than simply losing some affinity for the instrument.
Lack of motivation can be a sign of clinical depression, that may be worthy of seeking help.

Maybe examine carefully why you aren't playing bass.
How much have you explored, scrutinized, and introspected your mental state when you reach for (or fail to reach for) your bass?
What goes through your mind? How does it feel? what inner dialog do you go through?
can you force yourself to kick out some arpeggios around the circle of 5ths, even when unmotivated?

I'll also say, as someone who has a day job doing what I love:
I do not always feel like doing it. But I have to do it, an do it with a good attitude,
because it's my job and I am a professional.
doing the work, regardless of how you feel in the moment, is a critical professional skill to build.
You have to practice practicing when you don't feel like it. You can get better at it.

exercising my capacity to do unpleasant but necessary things has improved my life tremendously.

So check in on the depression possibility,
and practice practicing

Its not just about bass.
Definitely look into the depression angle but don't let some doctor simply give you antidepressants. That is just hiding and won't accomplish anything.
Your mood is not unusual in college. Usually it appears in junior year. You are just early.
Get a book "Seasons of a mans life" Daniel J. Levinson from the library. I felt like I was reading about myself. Point being many people go through this.
You will feel better by not feeling alone.