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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TexasChic on November 12, 2003, at 12:33:55
I have the hardest time overcoming procrastination, and once it starts, the harder it gets. If I know a bill is due, I put it off until the last minute. Then even when I know its late, I still don't want to deal with it. Or if there's a mess, I don't want to clean it, and it just gets worse and worse until its too overwhelming to tackle. Things usually get done in spurts when I suddenly panic and realize I have to do something, like pay a bill to keep from getting in serious trouble, or clean up because people are coming over. I have had depression since childhood and anxiety since early adulthood. Lately it has been gravitating towards OCD. I am currently on Lexapro 20 mg, Topamax 75 mg, Xanax 1mg for random panic attacks, and Trazodone 50 mg for sleep. This is a new regimen I've only been on around a month. I was previously on Prozac, but when my anxiety started flaring up and showing OCD tendencies, I decided to try changing the meds. I have been going to a therapist for around 3 years for the anxiety and depression, and I recently started going to a Psychologist in order to get better medical treatment, as I was getting my meds through my primary physician before. I realize my procrastination could be from depression, but I feel like its more from the anxiety of dealing with things. Life is just so messed up right now with bills and my psycho mom who moved in with me and my Grandmother (who I care for) and has been making my life hell (my Mom, not my Grandmother). I just don't want to deal with anything anymore. I've overcome a lot in my past, I don't understand why now I'm turning into such a 'fraidy-cat. I'm trying to move out and leave my mom to care for her mother as she should have in the first place (she's not psycho with her, just me). Its just hard on me financially right now (add compulsive shopper to the list). My mom is just really jealous of me and puts me down all the time, and although I could care less about her opinion, it seeps in after a while. Anyway, this has gotten seriously long. I hope its not too confusing and passes as some sort of introduction. If feels good to write and get it out there to people who understand where you're coming from.
Posted by justyourlaugh on November 12, 2003, at 14:17:21
In reply to Has anyone overcome procrastination?, posted by TexasChic on November 12, 2003, at 12:33:55
Posted by lookdownfish on November 12, 2003, at 17:02:51
In reply to Has anyone overcome procrastination?, posted by TexasChic on November 12, 2003, at 12:33:55
Poor motivation is definitely a symptom of depression. I was on Cipramil (same as Celexa) for a while and whilst it didn't make me more motivated, it meant I didn't care so much about the mess, unpaid bills etc. Quite an advantage. Sounds like your relationship with your mother is a big issue - I guess you've explored it in therapy?
Posted by Tabitha on November 12, 2003, at 21:00:49
In reply to Has anyone overcome procrastination?, posted by TexasChic on November 12, 2003, at 12:33:55
I have a big problem with it, too. I use the little tricks that are standard advice from self-help books and therapists-- like divide the task into small pieces, just tackle a little bit (like work for 5 minutes), if you can't face one part of the task do another, and the most important thing, give yourself positive self-talk and encouragement for doing anything, no matter how small. It all helps some, but there are still times I just can't manage to force myself to accomplish much.
I had the worst problem with housecleaning for a while-- I'd get anxious and nauseated from doing it. I finally learned to focus on breathing and consciously relax my body while working. Now, cleaning isn't such a problem-- it's paperwork I avoid the most. My anxiety just shoots up. I have to kind of talk myself through it like I'm a 5 yr old.
Good luck. I wish I had a better answer-- unfortunately procrastination is a thorny problem.
Posted by fallsfall on November 12, 2003, at 22:38:48
In reply to Has anyone overcome procrastination?, posted by TexasChic on November 12, 2003, at 12:33:55
Sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now. That could fuel procrastination. I also know that when I am more depressed I can't get anything done. When I start feeling better things just happen much easier. Don't be too hard on yourself. Do break things in to little pieces (with rewards in between - personally, I like reading babble or computer games for my rewards, though chocolate works, too). If living with Mom is too hard, then maybe one of you should move out.
Good luck
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