[Elana05]

I can't get ahead of the house cleaning. I'm at least able to get some things back in order, but I get frustrated because it needs a good scrub down. The rugs are dirty, the floors haven't been cleaned, everything is dusty. I think I'm triggered into thinking about what this says about me as a person. It makes me feel like I have lost control. I want to get away from this type of thinking. Things are dirty now but at some point later they will be clean again. I just want to be able to let it go.

[Naturefreak]

Elana05

Take some deep breaths , you haven't lost control .
You are just behind and it's ok to let it go now and then.

[mrsbuttercup]

I know how you feel sometimes I have to leave for a month or two to be at the hospital with my son, and when I come back the house is in major disarray and it take 2-3 weeks just to get it back in order. But once apon a time I happened across this, i guess the word is, theory called FLYlady. They basic concept is 15 minutes worth of cleaning is better than none at all. So are you putting off cleaning some things because you dont have the time or dont feel like cleaning them right now. If so take a timer, your kitchen timer, microwave, stove, anything you can find to time, and set it for 15 minutes and clean one area, your living room, bedroom, bathroom, only until the 15 min is up. Once the timer rings stop. You really will be amazed what you can get done in 15 min and you will feel better that you at least did something instead of nothing. I think that we should be proud of everything we accomplish, even the small stuff.

[anjelmarie]

Originally Posted by Elana05

I can't get ahead of the house cleaning. I'm at least able to get some things back in order, but I get frustrated because it needs a good scrub down. The rugs are dirty, the floors haven't been cleaned, everything is dusty. I think I'm triggered into thinking about what this says about me as a person. It makes me feel like I have lost control. I want to get away from this type of thinking. Things are dirty now but at some point later they will be clean again. I just want to be able to let it go.

I understand completely. My place is a mess. Rugs, floors, dust everywhere as well. I'm embarrassed. I am really down and don't feel like I can do anything. I don't want to cook either. This could be my post except for the being able to get some things in order, I can't even say that much. I was actually going to post something similar. Well sorry I can't be of help. Just letting you know I understand what your going through. Hope things get better.

Anjelmarie

[Gently1]

With www.flylady.net your are never behind with the support found there.
as MrsButtercup has said you can do anything for 15 minutes.

This site has kept me going through the most difficult times of my depression and keeps me from stressing over what not has been done now that I am starting to see what is around me and care. baby steps.
gently

[Rhiannonsmoon]

You can do everything in 15 minutes if you have the energy! Depressives just don't have the energy to do it; if they have fyboromialgia it's even worse and your body simply feels that it's in meltdown...

I really know how this feels Elana I've been in a depressive state now for 4 years and I've done only 3 good clean ups in the last 18 months...I'm determined to fix my total apathy...I have to and as soon as I am able I will dig in and do it...and post some lovely pics of my nice clean lil cabin...

Rhiannon

[Gently1]

Good point Rhiannon,

We all have to find out what works. So 15 minutes could be 10, 5 or even 2 minutes.

I know in my blocked energy of depression even today -thinking about going shopping I feel as exhusted as if I did go shopping. It still surprises me how depressive illness is not about will power.

Until I learned about the effects of depression on me, I nearly caused decompensation last fall, as I took my new found energy and carried on like before, in a rush, over doing for all the 'lost days'. I am just starting to feel the energy I did 9 months ago. Pacing is my new skill.

Now I know that 'lost days' are days, so I will continue practicing slow and steady. Living in the moment. And being kind and non- judgemental of myself are are new skills for me.

I used this information to change the way I thougt about depression. I assumed pain is pain and I have been in pain for more than 6 months- so this information could apply.
http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/pr...s.htm#schedule

And attended the lecture on nutrition and pacing with a friend with chronic pain. We both got a lot out of our afternoon. No more 'binge' activity days for us.
Even though the flare-up in chronic pain does not cause damage to the body, the results are an increased sensitivty to activity, increasing your limitations.
Of course doing nothing also increases limitation.
Balance what a concept!

As I am sure there are a few more of us with the habit to work until you drop so good luck with pacing, and I see my time is up for the computer so time to sign off.

gently1