Struggling to make progress on assignments

[sammieee]

I don't even have any energy to vent. 

I don't remember the last time I felt this awful. Depression has triggered my insomnia again, but this time I keep waking up too early and just become groggy for the entire day. I have a 1500w paper and a 2500w report due on Monday next week (already granted extensions). I did some rough research and have some rough ideas of what I'll write but it's so hard to continue. Especially the 2500w report is based on an interview that I kinda bombed so I'm just scared. It's like I'm back to survival mode. I don't think I can visit a psych - I'm an intl student and therapy still seems expensive even with insurance. I've been let down by all my therapists back home anyway. I'm sorry if this post is all over the place.

[sunnyl20]

Hi Sammieee, 

I am really sorry to hear about what you are experiencing. Depression really can make what is already a difficult task feel so much harder. 

Do you know if your university has any services or supports available? Many universities for example have counselling services available to students that are either free or less expensive than private counselling, so this may be an option for you. 

In any case, please try not to be too harsh on yourself - the effect of depression on sleep and concentration (not to mention many other factors) can be overwhelming as I am sure you know, so you may need to adjust your expectations for how you perform in these papers.

I think trying to break down each task into much smaller and more manageable parts may help you to get through it. Make a plan that outlines the essential parts you need to include in each paper and set yourself a rough time limit for each while taking regular breaks.

If you feel comfortable, it may also be an option to approach your tutor or lecturer for guidance once you are a bit further along.

Please feel free to use these forums as and when you feel up to it, we are here to listen and support you.

Take care.  

[indigo22]

Hi sammieee,

Thank you for reaching out for support. I'm sorry you are going through such a difficult time at the moment, depression can sap so much energy from you. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now with your papers due soon.

Have you reached out to any of the help lines that are available? They may be able to offer some tools to help you get through this demanding time. Some of these are:

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 (ages 5-25)

Lifeline 13 11 14

There are chat options available for these also.

Although I have not tried this app myself, I have been advised it is very helpful:

Smiling Mind app

I hope these suggestions will be of some help.

Please feel free to continue this conversation if you are comfortable, so we can give you some extra support.

Take care,

indigo22

[jaz28]

Hi Sammie,

I am sorry you are experiencing this. its really hard to stay motivated to complete assignments sometimes in general, and the lack of sleep you are experiencing would definitely exacerbate that. you're right that therapy is expensive, but it may be a good solution for you. is there a school/uni counsellor that you could see? or maybe reach out to the international student support at your school/uni and see what options are out there for you?

i am sorry you have been let down before, that must've been frustrating. i encourage you to try again, or at the very least see a GP about the insomnia - they might be able to help in other ways.

please feel free to post again if you need more support.

jaz xx