Anxiety and lack of motivation

[MaceyMae]

Hi online community!

I have severe anxiety and depression, I only started medication a few months ago, but it's helped fix my moods and be able to control my emotions. But I've just gone back into second semester of uni, and just like last semester, I'm lacking greatly in motivation, energy and concentration. I have two assignments to work on and I've been trying to start them for the last week and I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm getting more and more behind, which is increasing my stress levels and making me feel down. I always feel sleepy and lose concentration very easily at uni. So my question is, is this still related to my anxiety and depression, or, is it something else? Does anyone else experience this? And any tips to help?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[white knight]

Hi mm, welcome

Yes motivation while taking meds can be limited.

I suggest your meds have commenced working, it takes a few weeks.

Im not a doctor, regulating your dosage is of course up to your gp but I have sought to get mine a little reduced to allow me to function. Consult your GP.

A few threads you can read can be googled

Topic: depression and motivation- beyondblue

Topic: the timing of motivation- beyondblue

Topic: how I eliminated anxiety- beyondblue

Topic: medication is a whirlpool- beyondblue

Good luck and post anytime

Tony WK

[JellicoeGirl99]

Hi MaceyMae

I've just started my second semester of uni too and tend to let my work pile up. I also know a lot of my friends make the same mistake so don't feel alone or too stressed!

In my own experience, particularly with assignments, when I thought I was just being lazy and procrastinating, anxiety and depression was actually making me a perfectionist- I didn't want to start the assignment because deep down it felt like too much and I wanted to get it right so I just put it off altogether. The best advice I got was to just do it, even if it's terrible at first, throw some words together and get it started. At least you'll have done something and then you can begin to edit. No assignment will be perfect on the first go.

Hope this helps a least a little 🙂

JellicoeGirl

[BlueGrass]

Hi Macey and Jell

I haven't anything to offer, except that I am so pleased you are seeking help now.

I've struggled with the same thing as you describe, and here I am just hitting 60's and finally found a counsellor who is helping me address it. (Mind you, I have tried for decades, but to no avail.)

I wish you both all the best. Try to remember that it's better to do something well and 100% completed, than to strive for perfection and only get 80% finished on time.

Don't be afraid to speak with the uni counsellors, too. They are there to support you.

Hugs