[Bristol Chris]

Does anyone have any advice on how to cope with day to day tasks when you are depressed? I can cope with work but on my days of when I try to do day to day tasks if I am depressed I get completely overwhelmed and then stay depressed for the rest of the day. It's very frustrating because there are things I want to do which I just can't.

I struggle with this too. Sometimes it helps me to make a list of things i want/need to do. Not a long list, just a few things. And sometimes it helps to set a timer for 15 minutes or so and work for that amount of time to get things done. It's really, really hard for me too. I am sorry you struggle too. It just seems to add to the depression for me. Feeling inadequate and useless.

[paynful]

When I'm struggling (which is more often than not), it's torture trying to get stuff done.

Typically, I try to get stuff done throughout the day in small, short bursts. Keep in mind that I HATE cleaning.

For examples...

If I'm zombying out in front of the TV, I will get up and do small (or start) chores during commercial breaks ...or every other commercial break.

Or if I go into the kitchen to make a cup of Tea or make a snack... I will try to tidy things up for how ever long it takes the water to boil or food to heat up.

If I need to clean up the bathroom... I'll put the cleaner and sponge in the tub after I get out. That way when I next get in, I'll just end up scrubbing it down real fast before I can shower (I set it up prior so that in my mind, the task is one and the same as cleaning myself up).

When I look at the whole picture, it seems like too much... and I end up thinking there's no point, because it will just accumulate again tomorrow. So, I break things down into small steps throughout the day(s), and then, none of it seems too overwhelming.

Good luck hun Keep posting!! Venting and ranting about the nonsense of it all helps more than you would think.

[yumi]

I agree with Payneful... break down things into smaller tasks and tackle them one thing at a time. I have often done things between commercials, too. It works.
Its hard tho when you feel so debilitated. Its OK to give yourself permission to take it slow and not beat yourself up.

[Bristol Chris]

Originally Posted by yumi

I agree with Payneful... break down things into smaller tasks and tackle them one thing at a time. I have often done things between commercials, too. It works.
Its hard tho when you feel so debilitated. Its OK to give yourself permission to take it slow and not beat yourself up.

I think you have an excellent point there. When you are depressed your brain works a lot slower and so you have to except that things will take you longer

LISTS! I love me some lists.

I get a supreme sense of satisfaction in crossing something off a list. Of course because of this I tend to put ridiculously easy things on my lists, but when you have depression, nothing is ridiculously easy and you have to get your kicks wherever and however you can....So I don't care.

(Reply to Bristol Chris.....Check!)

[Rose76]

I do know what you're talking about. I've used the 15 minute timer approach. I like other tips above.

I'm kind of in the same spot myself right now, and I'm not finding a way to get going. That useless feeling is setting in. It sure is hard.

[NWgirl2013]

Lists are helpful but also give yourself permission to have a shorter list on the low energy days.
Even one accomplishment is more than none...

[Maria38Divine]

Originally Posted by paynful

When I'm struggling (which is more often than not), it's torture trying to get stuff done.

Typically, I try to get stuff done throughout the day in small, short bursts. Keep in mind that I HATE cleaning.

For examples...

If I'm zombying out in front of the TV, I will get up and do small (or start) chores during commercial breaks ...or every other commercial break.

Or if I go into the kitchen to make a cup of Tea or make a snack... I will try to tidy things up for how ever long it takes the water to boil or food to heat up.

If I need to clean up the bathroom... I'll put the cleaner and sponge in the tub after I get out. That way when I next get in, I'll just end up scrubbing it down real fast before I can shower (I set it up prior so that in my mind, the task is one and the same as cleaning myself up).

When I look at the whole picture, it seems like too much... and I end up thinking there's no point, because it will just accumulate again tomorrow. So, I break things down into small steps throughout the day(s), and then, none of it seems too overwhelming.

Good luck hun Keep posting!! Venting and ranting about the nonsense of it all helps more than you would think.

Paynful, I swear we're twins. I do all this too and it's been working for me. I find when my home is clean and uncluttered, it helps my mood. I keep doing it because I know how it makes me feel after. Plus there are certain tasks I do routinely like making my bed. I hate a messy bed (makes me feel lousy); so soon after I get up, I straighten up and fluff the pillows. Midday should never find my bed messy--never. I treat opening my windows and curtains the same--I open these up by 9am daily--no exceptions.

I'll reward myself with something small and pleasant for completing X number of tasks.

I just do it without thinking too much about it. Like a robot, or something.

[paynful]

Originally Posted by sophiesmom

LISTS! I love me some lists.

I get a supreme sense of satisfaction in crossing something off a list. Of course because of this I tend to put ridiculously easy things on my lists, but when you have depression, nothing is ridiculously easy and you have to get your kicks wherever and however you can....So I don't care.

(Reply to Bristol Chris.....Check!)

Oh good call!!! I forgot to mention my lists. I'm a little nutty with my lists. Mostly because they are so ridiculous that I shouldn't even write these things down. LOL ..but I think crossing things off make me feel accomplished even when I shouldn't. (A little morale boost.) In fact, I tend to write a list... and keep it going for the week... instead of a day.

For example...

I should probably just write down "clean kitchen"

....instead I break it down into:

• run dish washer
• empty clean dish washer
• set up coffee pot
• wipe counters
• clean pots and pans
• sweep & swiffer floor
• wash matts

...well you get the point

I might do some things everyday... while others I just do through out the week. I might cross some things off, but I also, tend to add things to my on going list. I find it helpful not to give myself a "deadline" to getting things done. That way I won't feel disappointed in myself if I can't get them all done.

Originally Posted by paynful

Oh good call!!! I forgot to mention my lists. I'm a little nutty with my lists. Mostly because they are so ridiculous that I shouldn't even write these things down. LOL ..but I think crossing things off make me feel accomplished even when I shouldn't. (A little morale boost.) In fact, I tend to write a list... and keep it going for the week... instead of a day.

For example...

I should probably just write down "clean kitchen"

....instead I break it down into:

• run dish washer
• empty clean dish washer
• set up coffee pot
• wipe counters
• clean pots and pans
• sweep & swiffer floor
• wash matts

...well you get the point

I might do some things everyday... while others I just do through out the week. I might cross some things off, but I also, tend to add things to my on going list. I find it helpful not to give myself a "deadline" to getting things done. That way I won't feel disappointed in myself if I can't get them all done.

EXACTLY....putting down something like 'clean kitchen' is WAY too much of a mountain and would most definitely result in NO sense of accomplishment because I would just go back to bed.

And I don't care if it takes a day, a week, or a month. I NEED to mentally pat myself on the back.