Frozen with so much to do…

[Boymom321]

I’m new here. I feel as though I’m doing the work and not feeling better so thought I’d give this platform a shot.

I have diagnosed anxiety, PTSD, and depression. I am on celexa, which works wonderfully typically. But over the last 3-4 months I’ve been really struggling with my depression and feel stuck. I freeze over doing anything I need to do (or even want to do) daily. I will lay in bed or on the couch and scroll through pointless tv to ease my mind, even when I should be working (I work from home.) I’m doing the bare minimum to maintain my marriage, family, household, and job- all of which I’m generally happy with. My PTSD stems from several major incidents throughout my life, and I am in therapy.

How do I get off the couch and get things done? I am by no means a lazy person but feel like I am as of late. It’s like I physically can’t get my mind or body to take action. It’s frustrating to say the least, and only leads to more self deprecating thoughts. There’s so much I WANT to do that I can’t muster energy for. What are your tricks to just get moving? When I’m in an “active” mood I can achieve so much, but it’s not happening. I’m afraid my relationships and work are going to only continue to suffer, and I can’t keep on like this.

[Marysblue]

Welcome

I understand completely. I have little motivation a lot of days. That's my main symptom.,Perhaps your dosage needs to be adjusted.

Can I suggest you lock your post so not everyone can see it. It's a spot on the page you post that asks you can anyone or community only see it.

[Hidden]

Hello

My understanding is there is a link between procrastination and the freeze trauma response.

You definitely aren't lazy so try not to be hard on yourself, there is a valid reason why you are struggling.

I found this article, I have struggled with this too.

psychologytoday.com/us/blog....

I hope this helps and good luck.

[BlueSoupStoryAnnon in reply to Hidden]

I have the same problem mentioned and I’ll be reading the article you mentioned. Thanks for posting it for everyone

[Agora1]

Hi Boymom321, I can't say much about depression since I have not experienced it myself.

However, I can relate in getting motivated. As long as we go from the bed to the couch

and channel surf, both our mind and body shut down. We get into a fog like state of

non production. You say you work from home. Does that mean you stay in your slippers

and robe throughout the day? I have found that getting ready for the day whether we

work from home or not is a must. Dressing up, makeup, earrings, dressed to go out of

the house is essential. It's a confidence builder. You will be less apt to want to lie in bed

with your good clothes on including your shoes.

You are on medication (which you should run this by your doctor), you are getting therapy

but there is something missing to this puzzle. Engaging in movement/action is also

important in getting motivated.

Small steps can grow into larger ones but you have to take that first step forward.

What does your therapist say?? What do you think caused this setback in the last

several months? There's always a reason we turn life off. or on pause.

I hope you get the answers you need and deserve and not just waste your life away xx

[tommy2toes]

Hi There:

After decades of juggling my mental state, raising kids, living in another country, and a variety of other stressors, quite unexpectedly, a family ghost arose after more than 50 years to kick me in the guts. The result was a diagnosis of depression. Subsequently, I basically sat on the couch for a month replaying what memories I had of the past (other than those that my mind had temporarily blocked out). Doing that, however, started a cycle of negativity and self-critique, which I am only emerging from now. The strategy I have adopted to getting mobile again is to think of achieving some small thing everyday. It might doing some simple chores, or going for a short walk, it might even be some small scale food shopping. Whatever the case, I try and take pride in the sense that I have planned, carried out, and achieved something. What is more, I always make a note of praising (loving myself) for getting something done. Of course, what I do is very mundane and trivial so as to not overwhelm my senses (I learned such limitations early on by being too adventurous). However, with each passing week, despite the occasional hiccup, I feel that I am placing my feet more firmly on the path to recovery.

Best of luck in your own journey

t2t (tommy2toes)

[Teaching]

Welcome to this great community. I believe you when you said you are not lazy. This sickness is a lot to deal with. Take it one thing at a time. Try your best.