[SophiaG]

Ok so i've had OCD for a number of years and i've noticed that it gets worse whenever I have an increase of anxiety. I have this huge increase in anxiety when i procrastinate to the point where it paralyzes me. I get paper anxiety.

It has gotten so bad that I wont do papers at ALL.

Yesterday I drank some calming tea and suddenly I was able to do my homework i had been putting off for days.

Does anyone else think that the root of my problem was maybe the Anxiety and not that i was lazy??

[pachyderm]

OCD IS an anxiety disorder. The whole meaning of the symptoms is to control anxiety.

So says the wizard.

[digdug]

I've been in and out of school for a number of years, and I can understand perfectly the feelings you describe. I've gotten better, but I still sometimes freeze up when it comes time to write a paper, study, complete a reading, etc.

I think the first step is to recognize that the wish to avoid work and procrastinate is normal. Unless you're a mega type-A personality, just about everyone would rather sit on the couch and watch TV than write a paper or study for a test.

The problem, I think, is that when you feel like procrastinating, your anxiety kicks in automatically. You feel anxious because you feel lazy, and this forms a vicious feedback loop. That's how I view the problem, anyway.

The solution, I've found, is just to force yourself to sit down and do the work you need to do. If tea/coffee/whatever helps you do this, that's great. I've found that once I've broken through the "barrier" of anxiety, it goes away. And the more you do this, the easier it is to break the barrier.

Remember, everyone feels lazy when it comes to homework. Your stress over it is just amplified.

[Malachite]

Dear Sophia,

Procrastination, is not about being lazy. It is about emotional discomfort, regarding the task. I find, the longer the task is undone, the harder it is to start. Preparing yourself for the task, sometimes helps, e.g., a cup of tea, organizing your work area. Even a hot shower, and a change of clothes, can help at the end of a long day. Anything that refreshes and relaxes, may help.

When I was a full time student, I often set a reasonable goal, and when I achieved it, I rewarded myself. I gave myself the rest of the night off, and engaged in some activity I enjoyed.

You'll be motivated, to get the first draft of that paper done, knowing the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy. Your enjoyment, of the rest of the evening, will be enhanced by the knowledge of your accomplishment!

Larry