My "to do" list

My "to do " list only grows longer. I have some 50 items on it now... rarely get one thing done any one day. The recent triggering/flashback event is still affecting me.... I'm fatigued, unable to think clearly but for rare spurts, and falling farther into the black pit of depression/despair. At times during the day, I might remember something on the list, and feel overwhelmed. "That" item needs to be done, but then I realize THEY ALL need to be done! I can't seem to get "it" together to perform.

Right about now my T would ask, "What is "it?" wishing me to better define what I'm fighting. I can't get "it" together: not like I want. Never. I'm disabled in that way. When am I going to accept it? I don't know how to. Honest.

I hate being overwhelmed too

HUGE HUGS

((((((((sky)))))))))))

Sky, you sound frustrated (rightfully so!). I heard once, when you make a to-do list to put one or two things you have already done on it, so you can check them off immediately. I do that and its great to be able to check things off right away. I feel like I am getting something done and I begin to tackle the other things on the list.

As far as getting things done... they will eventually. When I first visited my husband's parents (they were then just my boyfriend's parents) they had a list of about 10 things on the back of the basement door. I visited them for 4 years before anything started disappearing from the list. 4 years! You're not the only one, Sky.

I'm sure your PTSD effects how you handle things but I think you are managing pretty well. Sometimes we have to "just survive" for a while.

Good luck with your list Sky. I know you can do it.

(((((((((((((((sky))))))))))))))))))

i so understand. is there a way that you can prioritize the list or break it down into sections even, so that you're seeing 5 or less things at a time? one at a time would be great. i know how overwhelming the list is. i also know that i've been so deep into it that even an attempt to narrow the list would be too much.

i wish i had more answers for you. i know how you're huring (((((((((((((((((sky))))))))))))))))

be safe,

kd

((((((((((((((( sky )))))))))))))))

I'm sorry to hear you're feeling overwhelmed with all the things you're trying to make yourself do. Perhaps you could try outting the list into sections to make it more manageable. I hope you feel better soon.

Sigh... it's ongoing.... everytime I turn around it's a difficulty with something I thought would be "pencil whipped." Now, my T has gone out of town suddenly... so I don't dare tackle but the 2 URGENT items: my homeowner's association notice of pending fine, and the IRS saying they can't find my return form from 2000 so they took a previous one for estimate, and billed me , plus penalty and interest! (I don't owe any tax.)

Of course, those 2 items which are on the list... but things that aren't on it keep cropping up.... day to day stuff I don't put on there,plus some other things (like open the hurricane shutters?) that pile up without being listed... arrrggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh why bother? T says this is "life." I don't want it.

T says this is "life." I don't want it.

Sky, I totally understand. I'm overwhelmed just taking a shower...it seems so...overwhelming.

Hang in there,

Petunia

I think at this point, I would probably just get mad at the list (& probably myself) & tear it up & throw it away....or throw it across my room. (just kidding)

It is hard when a list gets started & is continued when other things get in the way & are accomplished but never recognized on the list....maybe you should go back at the end of each day & add those things to the list that you did that weren't on the list originally. That way you can keep track of what you really have accomplish & pat yourself on the back because you really are progressing with things that require your attention. Maybe that may help you feel better about all the things you really are doing.

I know when I get the feeling to accomplish something & get into it....then I can't stop until I am done because it feels so good to actually be doing something that really is important.

Hopefully once you start feeling a little better, you will be able to check off some of those things that have been hanging around for some time.

There must be some kind of trick that makes it all better.....I never make a list....just try to remember all the things I have to do....that way if I forget, I don't feel so bad because I don't remember what it is anyway....and with my memory right now....I forget almost everything that doesn't have a level of priority with a goal involved.

Useless suggestions I know, but just throwing out ideas.

Debbie