Study Struggles

[DarcysHuman]

I'm really struggling with rounding up any sort of motivation/focus to study.
I have an assignment that I'm now on my second extension for, which is actually due today and I have yet to even start writing it let alone doing all the research for it.
I'm too scared to get into contact with my tutor again because I'm ashamed at the lack of work I've done and I'm starting to considering leaving uni this semester again (which would be mean a tonne of extra paper work and a strong feeling of failure). I'm so disappointed in myself because despite all the stress uni causes me I truly love it and the subjects I have done/am doing, it gives me a sense of purpose and self improvement and I really enjoy it most of the time.
Any tips/suggestions that anyone has would be great. Even if they seem obvious I'm hoping reading them might help me a little.
(I have depression/anxiety if that is at all relevant to any advice. Also I'm not going to leave the house so please don't suggest anything involving going out anywhere, thank you!)

...and yes, this is definitely a form of procrastination.

[Tiger178]

Hi Darcy

I can see that you are really struggling right now and I'm really proud of you for reaching out. This is a very safe and non judgemental space.

For me when I'm in a really low mood I struggle to get motivation to do any work. Have you ever seen a psychologist or are you seeing one? If you haven't seen a psychologist would you consider maybe seeing one because they are helpful and they can give you skills and study tips. If you are seeing a psychologist have you told them this because they could really help.

When I study I find it helpful to do little bursts of studying instead of doing a massive block. Maybe do 40 minutes or less of study and then take a break and treat yourself for 5-10 minutes. And then get back to studying for 40 mins or less and then have a tea (if you like tea). That could maybe help with focusing on studying.

Having an organiser is also really helpful (in my opinion it may not work for you) and you can plan out your days and when you are going to study.

Sorry I hope this helps.

[startingnew]

hi and welcome to the forums

i not long finished my course as well and i too have anxiety and depression.

when you hahve depression its hard to find the motivation to do things esp study and when it starts to get hard or ovrwhelming i found i shut down alot sound like thats whats happening for you as well.

im not saying you have to contact your tutor but they may be able to help you with the workload and give you extra support as well. most tutors are understanstanding and know how depression affects people. im sure your not the first nor the last person to ahve depression they they will teach so please dont be afraid to reach out for abit of extra help

im very good at procrastination too. but maybe you could try this...

have a goal and reward system

so for example set yourself a goal of complete one assignment then have a break and treat yourself to something nice. or if your finding that difficult drop ot to do part 1 of the assignment reward yourself and continue on that was as well.

maybe you could try quizlet i think it is and it has a range of quizzes for a heap of subject maybe you could do a few fun quizzes to kepp yourself studyign and interested as well

[The_Abyss]

Had to laugh Darcy's Human....not because it's funny, but because I am procrastinating the same way!!! I too have an overdue assignment (my extension ran out 4 days ago), and I too enjoy uni, I just struggle with the getting started, and getting finished for that matter!

I find technical question answer stuff (like maths and science questions) easier than essay stuff - I can work in short bursts and it will often get me started in the right direction than I can go back to the essay. I find using a different computer (one I don't have games, FB, BB, or other distractions loaded onto), or a different location. Putting my phone in a different room so I can't keep checking FB or other things. Bargaining - if I do one hour of uninterrupted work I can play 5 games of Candy Crush for example.

Good luck with the assignment. Now.....I better head back to mine!

TA

[startingnew]

hi TB

i havent been able to speak to you since my thread got closed ( ladies and advice please) how have you been besides procrastinating 😉 i do the same thing lol

[The_Abyss]

Hi SN

i like your new picture.

I was sorry they closed your thread. I have seen you around a bit on Sara's and a couple of other threads, but I have reduced my BB a little since then - trying to get some work done!!! My main thread "is this a mental illness or just depression" details all the ups and downs I have had since then. There have been a few!

you gave DH some sound advice above.... it is stuff I have found helpful in the past as well. Well done.

Take care

[DarcysHuman]

Hi Tiger,

Thank you for the reply, and thank you it is definitely hard to reach out but I am trying to do so more often.

I am seeing a psychologist and this has come up in a few sessions but I feel at the moment I am struggling more than usual... hopefully I'll be able to get more advice at my next appointment.

Thank you so much for these tips, the small bursts of study has worked pretty well for me. I haven't tried the organiser yet but I'll definitely think about using it in the future.

Thanks again,
DH

[DarcysHuman]

Hi startingnew,

Thank you so much for your reply.

Yeah, I definitely feel as though I've been shutting down and have barely had the motivation to get out of bed let alone study. I'm glad you understand.

Thank you for the reassurance I really needed it, hopefully by Monday I will work up the nerve to get in contact with my tutor and work out some sort of action plan in regards to getting through the rest of this semester.

The goals and reward system sounds like it would work really well for me I will definitely give it a try and I have never heard of quizlet before, I will give it a google.

Thank you,
DH

[DarcysHuman]

Hi TA,

Hahaha, I'm glad I could make you laugh and even more glad that I'm not alone! I feel like people don't take me seriously when I tell them I enjoy uni because I struggle so much getting the work done.

Thank you for all the tips! I will have to try removing my phone and unplugging my TV hopefully that will be a big help. Bargaining also sounds like something that would work really well for me so thank you for suggesting that.

Thank you, I definitely need it. I've made progress but no much (although any progress is still progress!). Good luck with your assignment as well!

Many thanks,
DH

[The_Abyss]

Hey DH -

how are you doing?

I'm still struggling with that blasted assignment. I tried all my own tips, but the universe had other ideas! How about you?