Getting things done while having Depression

[Brooklyn99]

There are so many tips out there on how to get things done when you are depressed. The truth is, as fancy or advanced as they may seem, most of them don't work. I have realized that as soon as I learn about a new solution, my mind tries its best to counter it since so much thinking is involved in planning. Planning doesn't really work for people who ruminate or overthink and suffer from perfectionism. These tips have been the bane of my existence. However, what does work for me is that whenever I feel like doing something like exercise or some important work, I instantly get up without giving it a second thought and just start doing it and I don't care how imperfect it is. As I start working on something, eventually, I refine it and make it better. It has been working for me so far.

[hypercat54]

Well done. I worked this out many years ago when I got so sick of my mind arguing with itself I started giving myself orders! My fave one is looking at my feet and saying move now. As long as I do it instantly it does work. Once you are started on something it is a bonus no matter whether it is perfect or not. You then feel better about yourself.

I think it's to do with breaking the connection with your mind so it unparalyses you and enables you to do something.

Another thing I do is automatically follow any negative thoughts with a positive one as well. Example 'I am so lazy getting up so late' then 'Well done for getting up at all feeling so lousy'. This works too.

[Brooklyn99 in reply to hypercat54]

Replacing negative thoughts with the positive ones is actually a very good idea but then I don't know why I just feel like I am fooling myself. It has mostly a lot to do with my automatic negative thought patterns. I have been working that out in therapy so till I have learned to change these thought patterns, I am relying on not trusting any thought that I have to make decisions. It has worked really well for me. Maybe someday I will be able to rely on my thoughts and feelings.

[AnxiousSilver]

"Planning doesn't really work for people who ruminate or overthink and suffer from perfectionism."

I do this too whenever I overthink/worry. (which I usually/sadly do with every decision that I consider to be important)

[Brooklyn99 in reply to AnxiousSilver]

Yeah, I resonate with this too. I stopped relying on my feelings to make decisions a long time ago since feelings keep on changing and mostly they are negative because of my mental health issues and it gets difficult to decide what's best for me in the long run. I do rely on my emotions, yes but not on my feelings because it causes a sort of decision paralysis. I have also seen that when I made decisions based on what I need and not on what I want, my life became a lot more easier.

[AnxiousSilver in reply to Brooklyn99]

"I do rely on my emotions, yes but not on my feelings because it causes a sort of decision paralysis."

Whenever possible, I try to listen to that voice inside of me. (and "try" to do the right thing)

[Brooklyn99 in reply to AnxiousSilver]

That makes sense. I am glad that works for you. Hope someday it happens for me too. ✨️

[Blueruth]

I think the key is something you have organically discovered even if you don’t know it. It is developing a habit. James Clear lives to teach “atomic habits”. When you want to build one you start tiny and do it consistently until it is automatic. Often we think “I would feel better if I exercised “ then we think it is an hour in the gym which is too overwhelming. What if you instead start with walking the living room? Or lifting a can of beans in your chair. Then set a reminder. If you miss a day just begin again. No biggie because developing a habit takes practice and nobody gets it off the bat. Taking meds every day is exactly the same process. Eventually you grow that habit into something bigger as you said…the point being you don’t spend energy thinking about whether you *can*. You just do.

The beauty of a habit like exercise or reading or meditation is they release chemicals that ease depression and anxiety.

[Brooklyn99 in reply to Blueruth]

Hey, yeah. I have read that book as well. It's a good read.