Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I think I'm finally getting out of a long (2? yr) depression. Mood, energy & how I feel physically all seem to be improving. but I still have such a hard time motivating myself to do the simplest things and it takes me forever to get out of bed in the mornings. I have an odd work schedule... mostly 2nd shift, some long days with several days (sometimes up to a week) off in a row.
Breaking things down into manageable tasks has helped in the past but it always seems like what I can manage is only a drop in the bucket to what needs and will need done.
I think I'm the laziest person on the planet. I'm proud of myself I just get out of bed sometimes.
Will I ever have a productive life or is my greatest accomplishment going to be occasionally fending off depression?
Breaking things down into manageable tasks has helped in the past but it always seems like what I can manage is only a drop in the bucket to what needs and will need done.
I think I'm the laziest person on the planet. I'm proud of myself I just get out of bed sometimes.
Will I ever have a productive life or is my greatest accomplishment going to be occasionally fending off depression?
Don't let others dictate what your surrounding need to look like. If you are happy with how your place looks then you are doing a good job. Keep up on the daily things like dishes and cooking and do the rest slowly. Once I gave up the idea of the perfect home, my life became a little easier.
I break things down into small tasks, so I am not overwhelmed. My mantra is "Get it done. Get it done". I feel better when I accomplish my task.
I am now taking a look at life, as my mother had suggested to me.. Minimize. I don't want to get rid of all of my collections. So, I rotate what I have out. The change is uplifting and I have less to clean at one time. So, get rid of clutter.
Look at things differently, change things up. Ask how can I make life simpler and stress free? Give yourself things to look forward to, not dread. Reward yourself for accomplishing those dreaded tasks.
It helps to use the same motivational tactics we used on our children or our parents used on us. We have to self discipline ourselves, as adults.
If you plan to clean out the kitchen cabinets and tell yourself that if you finish you can go to dinner with friends, you may want to jump out of bed and get to it. Before you know it, you will be looking forward to a new day and be getting things done.
Congrats on working to conquer depression. Good luck to you.
I do not know what tools you use or what works for you. But I have found that with meds and talk therapy I can do more than fend off my depression. Prayer works for me, too. I still sometimes can only try to fend off the depression and sometimes I even cannot do that. I also deal with anxiety issues, so if something "bad" happens I fall to pieces. But overall, over time, I somehow am managing to do other things as well.
I also try to remember that so many people never learn to deal with their depression. Even people who seem happy and successful, like Robin Williams. So I work at not belittling my struggles and seemingly small successes. In my family so many people have lived depressed lives without even knowing it or being able to face it. Depression is a bitch; perhaps you can take a moment to pat yourself on the back for all that you are able to do? I imagine working 2nd shift is in itself somewhat disorienting, even if you did not have depression issues.
I hope you have a good day.