have you considered making a to do list, or a list of accomplished tasks? even just small ones, so you can physically see a progress being made ...

this is something my therapist suggested I do, as I too haven't worked in a few years and the smallest of tasks seem so over-whelming to me

I am with you. I had to stop working due to Lyme disease last year. Now that I am feeling a little better I can't get anthing done either. I just feel like there is a mental block when it comes to doing anything.
I think I am going to set up a weekly routine to follow. So I can have it on paper I think will help me. I use to be a very organized person and I miss that person.
If you want there is an awesome web site www.flylady.com or .net one. It helps you get into a weekly routine and gives you ways to help clean and deal with clutter.
Best of luck!

I have been there too, and sometimes go back. People need routine, no matter how small, short, or long, or big it is. We all need routine. When my daughter was little I had a routine with her and I had to stick to it and she then developed a routine of her own as she grew up and it continues. Somehow by doing routine we feel more accomplished and better. Eventually you will gain some strength and add to your routine. I have gotten to the point that I have routine but when I have a day off from my work routine I tend to get lost and haven't figured out how to turn the things at home into a routine. Am slowly getting better but it has been a struggle.

Look around and pick a spot and start there, or do one room at a time. It will keep you busy and take your mind off things for a while.

You sound just like me. I can't seem to get anything done and work all the time. My house is a disaster also. Believe me or not, I just took down my Christmas trees. My children did it for me. I could not bring myself to do it.

I am so glad to know that I am not alone.

Slrow, thank you for that website. I looked at it and this is something I have been looking for. I saved it so I can go back later. God Bless us all. Peggy

i have the same issues, except that since i'm a senior i took less classes and anyway i don't have anything to do right about now and my apartment is not a mess but it could use some sweeping, i just force myself to get up, walk towards the broom and once i picked it there is no way out, i'm in it for the day, at least that's how i start doing things, just by little things you then realize that you've done so much, uh and also how about crafting? i started recycling all my clothes, and what i can't do i youtubed it and anyway, that's fun for boring days specially now with the recession...

Having no routine ADDS to my depression I find and like you I don't get anything done and the house looks a tip!

I find getting up that little bit earlier and GETTING DRESSED helps...

When I'm really down I just tell myself it's ok to just "do the basics"
Even if you get one job done per day,it is better than nothing and you will feel better for doing it.

Try to get outside once a day,even if it's for just ten minutes,as I find that a short walk will help clear my head...

Maybe as time goes by,you can add things to do each day.

Don't forget to include taking some time for yourself,even if it's ten minutes..have a nice hot bubble bath,read a good book or go and treat yourself to something nice that you want{it dosen't have to be expensive}

I hope you start to feel better soonxoxo

HI Boopie I know how you feel, I was like that 6 months ago. What I did was take it really really slowly. I actually had to plan my day hour to hour with basic stuff like when to get up, have breakfast, shower eat food go for walk make a phone call etc. Sometimes I needed two or three hours just to get up. But thats okay starting out. Be gentle with yourself (the cleaning can wait) you will get there.

If you try too much too soon you will fail and be more depressed. Gradually you will be able to add more and more each week. But main thing is to be patient with yourself. It has taken me months just to get going again. I wish you love xx

I think it helps when you do something out of the routine. Sounds like you are getting bored of staying home. That happened to me too. I was so excited not to work and now it has been 3 years since I last worked and then I began getting bored of the same routine. So now I try to do something different once or twice a week. Example; go for a walk with a friend or take a nice long bath instead of a shower. Try to find something that you will look forward to or reward yourself after a week of doing house chores.