[Athemos]

Hello all, thanks for reading.

Don't know where to start from really. I tried PsychCentral a few months back and was coping well then (had all the success and love I needed), so didn't bother logging on for a long time until now.

My situation's gotten really bad now. Its definitely the lowest I've been all life. Couldn't find a forum for 'procrastination', so filing it under depression.

So I arrived in London, 5000 miles from home to do a Masters. Learnt some amazing new things, tried out crazy new stuff, had a blast and came across some wonderful people along the way. I even managed to score a distinction. But thats past now. All my friends have returned to their home countries. I am left in London... lonely, cold and poor. The recession's hit the place really bad, and I haven't been able to find a job after 3 months of finishing my degree. Being used to staying active, at the top of things and always well connected, I find myself hiding behind the shadows, avoiding all human contact, not eating well, sleeping too much, playing video games all day and consuming a lot of caffeine and nicotine.

While I'm determined of staying in London and clearing my education debt, I'm really homesick now and feel rather isolated. I really need to get out of my procrastination-guilt-stress cycle, get a hold of my life, find a job and get my social and romantic life back on track. Seems like it's a matter of time, but my confidence and self esteem have been really dented, and I really hope I can be back to my winning, charming self soon.

Don't know what to ask from the reader, but I guess some motivation would be good. And also some tips on how I can ensure I do the things that need to be done - sleep and eat properly, stop wasting time, and do my best to find work.

Thanks a lot!
Athemos

[noneedtoknow]

Athemos,
Try picking one small thing and doing that, then the next thing. Instead of looking at everything you have to do/change (which can be way daunting) just do one. Good for you for writing. Hopefully that helped and getting replies and encouragement will help get you in the right way. Your in a tough situation-being away from home/support/familiarity so be gentle on yourself! I know for me when I am looking for work that is one of the most stressful things there are. So again, be gentle with yourself. One foot in front of the other. Good luck

[Severijn]

Perhaps take up fitness/exercise. If you look good you feel good and confident too.

Like the previous poster said, trying to do everything right at once can be difficult, so yes, just start with one thing.

When you do one thing right, you get more energy for other things. And when you do two things right, you feel better and can do other things better. So that's a sort of upward cycle.

I've been a bit depressed lately, and I've taken up exercise. Seems to work.

[Athemos]

Thanks Severijn... I haven't been exercising at all lately.. will give it a shot now.

[missbelle]

Sorry things have been such a bummer but its justified. Your friends are gone(the support system), money is scarce and you can't find a job...That would make anyone feel depressed........so now its time to get creative and market yourself in some other way. I have heard of people doing some crazy things and they might work. What about some kind of self employment as well without much money?........

Put yourself on a little schedule as well...it may seem a little OCD but sometimes that works.

You got the degree...be proud of that wonderful accomplishment. Yeah to you...now get off the sofa and get moving.....LOL

[Athemos]

Thanks for that Misabelle. Yes, I am inclined to crazy/OCDish habits, but can't seem to get a routine going... sleeping 4 hours one day and 12 hours the next. But yes, I've been trying to market myself differently and also considered starting up a company. But really, to feel secure and confident again, I need a stable job with a decent salary... everything will come after. It's kind of bad that I sign up to networking events then not show up, cause I don't feel 'in the groove' of meeting people and talking smooth. Also, my flatmates (friends) have quite a toxic lifestyle - get drunk and do extremely stupid things far too often. This has been putting me off. Nevertheless, the rebuilding is still in operation, and I hope to be out of this loop soon. Thanks for your posts guys, you make me feel much better