Uuuuggghhh I’m with you friend!
Everything is just so much harder with depression and/or anxiety. My laundrys piled up, I haven’t put tools, ladders and materials away in the last 4 days after completing a project, they’re scattered all over the garage and my wife can’t park her car in there.
Anyway, most recently (2 yrs) I’ve been seeing a psychologist, taking fluoxetine and trying to figure out my triggers.
I’ve been reading two very helpful and practical books and implementing the strategies/exercises in them. Sometimes I’ll drop off, may not visit them for 1-3 weeks, but I try keep what I can in my head and catch myself when I notice a mood/anxiety/depression coming on. I’ll post links below.
I find that getting STARTED on tasks for me is the hardest, yet once I begin, I’m ok. Sometimes I’ll get distracted, but I find that’s actually due to some stress the task is giving me (maybe I feel like I’m not moving forward with the task because I need to research something before I make a decision).
I learned to use a pomodoro timer - it’s about focusing on the process (the timer; just 20 mins of focused work) and not about finishing or doing 10, 20, 50% of a task in front of me. Reduces overwhelm, helps getting started easier and also allows you to have a break and rest the brain every 20 mins (5 min rest - no work). To get started, I just say, OK, I will sit down at my computer, start the timer and begin. I may tell myself, or tally that I will do 4 pomodoros (80 mins) and that’s all. Whatever work is done in that period is done. I generally get into a flow and manage to keep pumping.
When overwhelm sets in I notice I’m flustered in my head. Having the awareness to know that I’m feeling flustered and distracted has allowed me to slow down, breathe, ground myself and move forward. It doesn’t always happen though, it’s taking practise, its a great feeling when I do notice and take action.
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before
Anddddd one last thing, I’ve recently found out I have sleep apnoea and using a CPAP machine while I sleep now has allowed me more energy and improved cognitive function. May help you to get a sleep study done (I think your GP may be able to help you with a referral).
You’re top gun, I’m Bane 😂
I’ve got headphones, they just cause pain after an hour or two. Thanks for the reminder! Cafe sounds are a good one (people chatting, espressos getting made).
How has your anxiety/depression changed since using CPAP?