[hard2smile]

Greetings all,
I just replied to a post on "what I am currently procrastinating" which made me reflect on how my deep depression is causing me to procrastinate more. Not only am I delaying small tasks but larger, more important tasks. I know what I need to do but am numb to the sense of urgency. I know there's self sabotage but it's like I cannot stop myself - similar to stepping out of my body and helplessly observing myself commit the sabotage. I keep telling myself "You better get this done or you will be in a world of trouble." I agree with myself but still fail to comply. When your looking at life through smoky mirrored lenses, there is not much incentive to invest in the future. Thus making me feel even worse because now I am not getting things done and stuff is piling up, which in turn compounds the depression. I am my worse enemy.

QUESTION: How do you overcome procrastination in the mist of depression?

[LelouchLamperouge]

I can't really offer any words of advice but I get exactly how you feel. I've struggled with this really bad for almost my whole life. I've had multiple semesters at my university where I received incompletes or failed all/most of my classes within the past couple of years. I tell myself I need to get things done but I am just so numb to any kind of "urgency" that other people normally should feel. I can't even tell anymore if it's just me being lazy or if it's my procrastination and depression.

I hope you are able to find a way to push forward and achieve whatever that is you want to achieve.

[moostress]

Hi, this is something I am struggling with so much as well. It is just so easy for me to tune out of life and take the easiest path of not doing anything productive at all. I am also very interested in what strategies others have.

I've tried things like writing down lists, rewarding myself for completing tasks and just doing only one task one day at a time, but in the end I always fall back to doing whatever is the easiest and most gratifying at the time which normally ends up being watching tv or masterbating.

[vital]

Originally Posted by hard2smile

QUESTION: How do you overcome procrastination in the mist of depression?

OMG, I have the perfect answer to that question! See the notes on this post

http://forums.psychcentral.com/4369910-post130.html

For my own best overall advice, see post #105 in that thread.

- vital

[Keyslost]

Best way for me is to get out of the house. Unfortunately a lot of what I do is online so I keep coming back. Just gotta fight with myself and keep a productive tab open on my comp to remind me I need to do some studying today. That's pretty much the best way I can describe it a fight with myself internally.

[hard2smile]

Originally Posted by vital

OMG, I have the perfect answer to that question! See the notes on this post

http://forums.psychcentral.com/4369910-post130.html

For my own best overall advice, see post #105 in that thread.

- vital

Dear Vital,

I read your notes and can identify with your descriptions and illustrstions of the downward spiral depression. The decision paralysis does and how it can lead to procrastination makes sense. I do like the concept of Snap Club and appreciate starting with small decisions and celebrating those as one makes progress towards successfully accomplishing more successful tasks. At this point, I am willing to try anything to switch off the mental autopilot.

I appreciate your taking the time and consideration to reshare your post.

All the best,

h2s

[secretgalaxy]

I give myself my own deadline and that helps. Other times I don't let myself eat ice cream until I've done an hour of work. If I'm really unmotivated then I won't eat until it is done, etc. I give myself a pretty big consequence and it has gotten the job done.

[Smileonmyface]

I use ice cream too. after giving my kids dinner and dessert and the kitchen is a mess, I won't let myself have any ice cream until I get the dishes done and the kitchen cleaned up. It works, and the ice cream seems to taste better when I know I don't have to still do the dishes. I know that is not the same as dealing with procrastinating when trying to study but the concept works for me

[penguinsing]

I have similar issue, low (or no) motivation, things not getting done

I have other issues too (that's another topic), and in last week therapy session, we figure it out that I will try to relax and not too forcing.

I think I will try it on motivation / procrastination problem too.

I will just do that I can at the moment.