It feels too hard to do anything

[sparkvark]

Everything seems stressful at the moment. Getting out of bed, buying groceries, preparing food, doing dishes, being at work, looking at anything factual, going to bed... Any time I have to expend any effort, it's like a giant wave of "please no, I can't".

I haven't been getting enough sleep thanks to the effort of going to bed, but I have been doing some exercise tied in with going to/from work. Right now I should be making dinner with the groceries that it took me 2 days to go out and get, but it feels impossible even though the kitchen is just a few metres away.

I'm not sure if this is a depression or anxiety thing or what. I just really need to get a handle on it. It's not worth going to the GP and getting a psych referral, because I've heard that all before and know what I need to be doing but it's just too hard right now.

[blondguy]

Hello Sparkvark

You first paragraph resembles my life at the moment...as I have too much on my plate right now.

I try where possible to avoid using 'labels' even depression or anxiety when I have had both for many years.

If you are feeling like you are putting things off and/or procrastinating basic everyday things doesnt mean you have depression....it may just mean that you have too much weight on your shoulders compared to what you can cope with.

You are very astute to have noticed that you may be overburdened right now. If I may ask....do you have a lot on your plate right now (personal...family...work issues etc) that you are dealing with?

There are many kind folk on the forums that be here for you Spark. You are more than welcome to post back if you wish as the forums are rock solid secure so you can do so.

My kind thoughts

Paul

[james1]

Hi spark,

I just wanted to post here to lend you my support and echo Paul's comments about these forums being super safe.

My hope is that we can give you enough support to give you the energy to take back your life. I understand it can be hard to get out and see a GP, so hopefully we can help make that process a bit easier for you.

We're here to support you through this difficult time, and it'd be really great to hear back on what's going on in your life which is proving difficult to cope with.

If I may also add: I also struggle with really basic functions like getting up. Some days, I've skipped work or been over an hour late. But each time I do get out of bed, I give myself a congratulations. I don't believe it, but maybe one day I will.

James

[sparkvark]

Thanks for your replies Paul and James.

I'm not sure what's been going on for me to be feeling this way. It's not as though I'm unusually busy with anything right now. For a while I've been feeling as though some parts of my life have stagnated (work, relationship) and are limiting my ability to find enjoyment in things.

Tonight I managed to trick myself into doing dishes (because it was easier than making dinner) and making dinner (by making a sandwich for work tomorrow and doing another one at the same time), so that was good. Going to have to commit to heading to bed after this post.

I hope both of you have a good day tomorrow.

Cheers, spark

[DeltaJ]

Hi Spark,

I'm here to give you my support too and yes, I know those feelings. I know what I have to do, but it just seems easier to sit there and put it off till later. Even the things I enjoy for pleasure that require mental effort, I start doing them, and then give up because I can't be bothered. It's like I know I enjoy the activity, and my mind is like on auto pilot, but when I actually do it, I don't seem to have the mental energy to be bothered. I know you're talking about essential things you have to do, and I have that problem too sometimes, but even the enjoyable things can be an effort. I definitely find exercise helps, and it's the one thing I don't give in on once I start, or anything active which doesn't require mental effort. When it comes to doing the domestic things you have to do, I think about how much harder it will be if I let things pile up, but that's just how I see it all, and for each session of tasks I get done, I give myself some sort of reward, that I can't have or do, until I finish the job. My experiences may not fit your style, but I just thought I'd share a coping strategy to maybe inspire you to your own ideas,

and yes, if you can get a decent sleep, you'll be on the right foot before you even start:-)

take care

Chris

[blondguy]

Hey Spark

James and Chris have a ton of great advice advice happening here 🙂

Spark said: "limiting my ability to find enjoyment in things"

I hope you have a good peaceful sleep Spark and thankyou for being here for us too. I actually feel very much like you tonight.

My kindest thoughts for you Spark

You are not alone

Paul

[sparkvark]

Thanks Chris and Paul. How are you doing today?

The last 2 days have been alright for me. Haven't done anything productive, but at least I made dinner relatively promptly.

Chris, I definitely know what you mean about procrastinating with things that are usually enjoyable but require effort. I've stopped doing a lot of things over the years for that reason.

[blondguy]

Hi Spark, great to hear from you again. Havent been doing too bad, just day by day. Even the small steps are victories...doing the dishes..and making dinner promptly can be a huge feat when we are feeling flat.

My GP actually diagnosed my depression, it was a double appointment and he was understanding and really mega helpful. Sometimes we dont need an initial referral to get a diagnosis. (depending on individual circumstances of course)....

My kind thoughts for you Spark

Paul

[Guest_322]

Hi,

I think the others have left you really kind, helpful messages so I don't have too much to add that hasn't already been said

I think that sometimes when you're struggling, the seemingly "easiest" tasks require a monumental effort. So good on you for getting the dishes done, etc. I second Paul on celebrating small victories.

[sparkvark]

Thanks Paul and Dottie123.

I've been having a combination of good and not-good moments over the past week. Tonight thankfully was good - met up with some mates for dinner and even though I left early it wasn't too awkward.

I'm still not sure what I can do about the recurring overwhelmed feeling. I've been taking it easy and it doesn't seem to be helping much. It's not really possible to take things any easier haha.