[franz kafka]

I'm going through a depressive spell but I'm a more than full time student and have lots of responsibilities. Any advice? So far I'm just giving myself lots of extra time and taking lots of breaks.

[Wild Coyote]

i am sorry you are experiencing depression.

It sounds like you are managing the responsibilities in a way that's helpful to you. That's all you can do.

I wish I had very helpful suggestions to offer, but I don't.
Maybe someone will come along with suggestions.

I am very depressed and am taking a prescribed stimulant, trying to find a way to get something done. A stimulant might be too energizing for you?

I hope your depression passes soon.


WC

[Frankbtl]

Hi franz

It sounds like things must get/be real tough on you with the depression alongside everything you need to manage
To me taking lots of extra time and taking lots of breaks sound like great strategies.........but some more.......just a few thoughts:
Maybe prioritise the most important things you need to take care of and focus on them.........and where you can, as you're completing them add what you can on..........making your goals/expectations of yourself as realistic as possible...........
Maybe setting yourself a routine (if you haven't already got one) could help...........I know it may be easy to put off/delay things..........but maybe if you build them into a routine.........
Maybe break down tasks into smaller steps so as they don't seem so overwhelming.........
Maybe see if their are any responsibilities you don't have to be as responsible for...........perhaps you could limit them a little or even have someone help if possible..........
Maybe you could make more use of those breaks and do something that may work better for you e.g. something relaxing/something to try to take your mind off everything else you have on/something that may make you feel a little "good"...........perhaps try to make those breaks real "you" time.............
Absolutely "stand back" and give yourself real credit for things you achieve as you complete them...........
If you're a student maybe there's a college counsellor or a tutor you could talk to and get a little help from.............about course work or the way you're feeling??
And if studying is difficult..........maybe there are ways/methods you could change the way you do that a little?? e.g. where/when/how...........you study??
So just a few thoughts.............
Hoping as well that your depression passes soon.



Alison

[teacat]

This has often been a problem for me, too.

Right now I've settled on a few techniques that help me out. One is to use the Pomodoro Technique, which is working in 25-minute, focused bursts with 5-minute breaks in between after completing a task. I also use a simple to-do list app where I can jot things down with a due date.

I try not to overload myself with things that aren't important and can be skipped, too.

[DP_2017]

I've been a caregiver since i was young, so even in my depressive times, I've HAD to push through to get things done.... I'm not sure how though, its just something i force myself to do.... I'm always tired though and I nap often, and walk my dog daily. those are helpful things

good luck to you, its tough

[dexter]

Franz sounds like you are working hard to keep this under control. I like the idea of keeping a physical list with larger goals broken down into smaller tasks that you can check off as you go and see that progress is being made.

Good luck with your depression and good job with taking care of your responsibilities so far.

[CrispinCrosby]

Hi Franz,
I will advise you to watch what you eat and engage in regular workouts to deal with depression. Prefer raw food over processed food, increase water intake and avoid eating late.

[cool09]

I had depression when I was a student, too. Sounds like you're doing the right things. I did little things to brighten me up each day. I did have a breakdown and left school for a semester and sought help. Not sure how I finished school. BTW, on-campus mental health help was non-existent except for a small group therapy which I tried and failed at.

[starla_sangue]

I'm a full time student working half-time with major depression. I don't get things done as fast as I could but everytime I do get something (anything) done I try to tell myself that it's a success. I'm on medication so luckily that helps a lot but there was a year when I literally couldn't get myself to go to Univeristy (that's a long story)...so I know how you feel.
I reward myself with stuff (a bookmark, a shirt, a good coffee) and luckily have friends who are very supportive (they know of my condition) so I try to go out with them at least once a week, those meetings also nearly always help.