Procrastination

When I get down I don’t care about anything, either. And the guilt takes over.

It’s not that I don’t care about it. It’s like I’m paralyzed and can’t get myself to do it. Then I feel guilty.

@lambchop52 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. We are a diverse group of people here, offering support and sharing our experiences with others.

Wondering if you feel depression when not procrastinating, or only when you are tardy on things? If you have not tried it, you might find some answers if your write things out, perhaps have an interview with yourself, and see what is brought to the surface? I have used that method a few times, using dominant hand for the questions, and non-dominant for the answer. It was very surprising! Here is a discussion about journaling you may find interesting: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/journaling-the-write-stuff-for-you/

When you procrastinate, would it be helpful to just do something small in the direction you want to go, to "break the mold" of indecision? That might be just the push you need to get moving again.

What is in your top priorities to get done, and how do you think you might accomplish that? For me, any step forwards is a good thing, no matter how small. Will you let us know what you decide to do, please?
Ginger

I had that exact conversation with my counselor this morning. So I just got up like she told me and did one thing....and I figured well, if I did that, I might as well do this. So I got more done today than I have in the last week. I know how hard it is to take that 1st step though! And then beat yourself up day after day because you don't. So you are not alone.

Thank you for your comment. I realize I’m probably not alone but hearing someone else say they have the same symptoms makes it more real that others suffer such as I.

@mzwoo Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support. You are already providing support to members.
Glad to have you. Are there any additional topics you are searching for?

@lambchop52 I'd like to extend my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. As @mzwoo mentioned, she had this conversation with her therapist just today. What are you describing is the vicious cycle that people with depression and anxiety endure. We all need help at times and it sounds like you could use some help breaking that cycle. Are you seeing a therapist or have you consider it? If you chose to see a therapist I might suggest a therapist that uses behaviorism and specifically behavioral activation. This kind of therapy is extremely effective and the length or therapy is brief, so there isn't much financial or time cost.

Thank you Erica. I have thought about seeing a therapist. I’ll check to see who uses this behaviorism approach in my area. Thank you for responding.

I have the same problem. I have an inner fight about doing things. I always think I will do it later. Vicious circle is perfect name for it.

I have found it helpful is to make a list of all the things I need to do and undertake a few each day. Crossing them off the list gives me a great feeling of accomplishment and encourages me to go on. I use an app called THINGS that also helps with scheduling the tasks.

That sounds like a good idea. I’ll check out the Things app also.l