How to get things done when depressed?
I feel like my depression is making it really difficult for me to complete tasks on time. As a student I have a hard time being productive, and I always lack the energy to even get started. I often feel like I am too dumb or slow to write an essay, or too tired or lazy to get started with tasks. Sometimes even thinking itself feels difficult. How does everyone cope with this?
@cthorne3150
Hello cthorne3150, sorry to hear you are facing this difficult moment. I've heard that depression can hit hard and it can be quite draining.
I hope more people will show up here to share with you their coping mechanisms.
I would say it's important for you to rest and listen to your body, if there's lack of energy you can't push too far, maybe to prioritize tasks can help doing just what is necessary to do ... but i also understand that as a student ''eveything'' becomes a priority.
Hopeful the therapist that diagnosed you with depression can also support you in this low moment, did you tell them how you feel?
Sending you good vibes đź’™
@cthorne3150 I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. It sounds like your depression is being very unkind to you and telling you lies about yourself. It’s understandable that you feel unmotivated when you hear things like”I’m dumb” and “I’m lazy.”
A few things that have helped me is to combat those negative voices with the simple truth: “I have depression and it makes me believe things about myself that aren’t true. This isn’t me, it’s the depression speaking.” I also try to give myself grace in these moments and separate my value and who I really as as a person from my depression.
When I feel this way, one thing that has helped me is to just tell myself I’m going to do something for 5 minutes and then I can stop if I want. And maybe in an hour, I’ll do something else for 5 minutes. Even if that’s all I can do, it’s something. I hope this helps, and that you are kind to yourself today!
It can all be especially hard as a student. I can make a few suggestions as someone who has suffered from depression and anxiety (and is also in academia):
1) Break it all up into smaller pieces. Each piece matters and you have to praise yourself for it.
2) Get your work done in different spots, ones where you can see nature or be outside are best.
3) Taking breaks doesn't mean you are lazy.
4) Keep on slogging. Your brain will tell you to stop. Don't listen and after doing a bit of work you will feel minimally better.
5) Keep using therapists and others as sounding boards. Leaving it all in your head isn't helpful. @cthorne3150
@bestVase7265
These are all great points! Adding off of point 4, the work will always feel the most difficult at the start. If you can just push through for the first ten minutes and keep focusing on that task, it will get easier. So don't diminish the fact that you are having trouble "just starting", as starting in the first place tends to be the hardest part. Good luck!
