[muse]

At this point I'm totally at a loss. I'm getting treatment for depression and anxiety and I was doing SO SO SOOO much better--depression totally gone, anxiety under control, life good overall.

AND YET I STLL CAN'T DO MY HOMEWORK!

I really don't understand it. I'm on meds, in therapy weekly, have a great home life and am a very smart individual if I do say so myself, but I find it extremely difficult to complete even the simplest of tasks, like gathering information online or finishing vocabulary cards. Inevitably I get distracted by something online, or a book, and no matter what I have to get up multiple times and leave my work area for SOMETHING--bathroom, fix my hair, change clothes, get a book or something like that--I guess I just can't force myself to focus on the task at hand. If it's something I really like, something I'm interested in, I have very little trouble concentrating, but with actual "work" for school or outside projects, it's almost impossible!

What the hell is wrong with me? What kind of disorder is this?? I am so confused and feel so helpless. I thought it would be better this year, and I was so happy because I thought I could do it... I still believe I can... I just don't know how I'm going to get to a point wher I can. :'(

My family has a history of anxiety, depression, OCD and Tourettes, and my brother has Dyslexia (which I don't have--I'm sure of that) if that helps any.

Any clue what this might be??

[gimmeice]

I am not really sure what is causing your problems, if you haven't already you might bring up the issue in therapy maybe your T can help you work on skills to stay focused.

[katielee102]

That is procrastination!! I have the same thing. When I was in college I could never do work in my room, or really in my house. I made myself go to the library. When i worked , ok when i tried to do work at my house every min or so I would get up decide something needed to be cleaned, decide i need to see what this makeup would look like on me, what this outfit looked like, etc. the list went on and on! I finally made myself go to the library where there were a lot less distractions. Well ok i found some such as checking my email ever FIVE mins, but eventually i worked through that one somewhat. I definately got a lot more done when i was not home. So...if you have the chance to go elsewhere to work on homework its worth a shot.

Also, if anyone does have advice I could still use it. ALthough i made it through college, i do that same thing at work. I will but off the simplest task!

Here is a saying i learned in college............why do today what you can put off until tomorrow............. now i am not saying you should do this!!!!!!!!!!!! But in school it always sounded so good and made me laugh, so i had to share.

good luck and let me know if you get any ideas! Just know you are not alone

[(JD)]

It's good to hear you are feeling better!

Try breaking any task down into small -and I mean small- steps.

• Try scheduling it, if it's homework that needs to be done on a daily basis, then make note what time of day you want to begin on it. Designate a place for the task, a desk or room or wherever. (Not on the bed for homework, that can cause sleeping issues.)

• That's the 1st step: intention. Don't worry about it, just make note.

• Next, gather your materials. This is done when it is nearly time to begin on your task. Don't sit down with the materials (books, paper, computer whatever) just put them where you need to do the task.

• When it's time to begin, sit down and organize the materials. Open the book, put tabs/bookmarks on the materials, if on computer, open the windows to the resources, tab them etc. If you have to have name etc on paper, file, do that.

• Briefly look over what it is you have to do/learn/show. But don't feel as though you must start working on it. Read it enough so you know what it is they want back from you. If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed, then stop for a bit, go make a snack, do another task (comb your hair, make your bed) and then return later and try again.

• When you begin your task, such as homework, make an outline or something similar to the ideas you thought of when trying to figure out what it is you have to do/provide. By writing these down simply, easily to read and refer to, you won't have to keep it in your mind. That frees up your mind to begin to process the actual doing of the task.

• Keep each step simple. You might find you can do more at each step than this, or you may need to make even smaller steps.

• Before you know it, the task will be done...at least the best you can do.

The reward for accomplishing a task without all the angst is far-reaching. And it's okay to do something you enjoy afterwards too! Best wishes.

[muse]

Thank you very much, all, I really appreciate it... I feel like this is more than procrastination, though. Katie, I think you have an excellent idea, only I can't drive, so when I get home, that's it... I'm home. I can't get out to the library. In college I can and will go there to study/work, but for now I am somewhat limited.

Sky--wonderful, wonderful advice! Problem is, I can't even seem to get to the point of organizing my work, my aversion to it is so powerful.

Maybe I'm just making up excuses and giving this thing power over me... but I will be getting back the results of some tests I took a while back about my learning abilities soon, and hopefully that will help.

[(JD)]

Yes, it could be you need even smaller steps. So when you put your materials out, leave them and come back later for the next step,and then only open the materials to the place you need to begin, and leave for awhile again.

If you have more time than something day to day, take a few days in-between steps..or weeks even! While you do each step, remind yourself (over and over if you have to) that you are only doing this one thing, and then you'll leave it for a while.

[muse]

Thank you so much, guys... your support means a lot.

My parents and I are working things out between us so that they can help me and I can help myself. It's long-term stuff that kills me, so they'll help with that... and we've set up an old PC in my room so that I can be by myself and work in the quiet, without any internet access to distract me.

Unfortunately, that means I'll have less time to say hi to you all... but I'll keep you updated if you want to know what's going on over here.

I am hopeful that this first and very scary failure will kick my brain into high gear and help me get a move on with getting stuff done and organized. You have to crawl before you walk, right? Maybe this is just teaching me what it feels like to fall down again.

[nightbird]

Have you thought about joining a support group or getting a life coach?

If you are stuck too long, it is a good idea to get the motor running, you know?

Peace and motivation,
nightbird

[Doh2007]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but not being able to concentrate is one of the symptoms of depression.

Another thought: Homework can feel like a lonely, solitary process. Is it possible to get together with a friend or family member and sort of do it together? That might help.

I sympathize with what you're going through. Be gentle with yourself.