Mental advice needed

[ILC]

I have two horrible habits – procrastination and laziness; they screw up most everything I do. Will power just simply is not doing the trick…do you all have any suggestions on what I can try to do?

Thanks.

ILC

[Gouki]

Start making yourself "To Do" lists. And then by god do what's on that list. Even if it's little stuff like taking out the trash, doing laundry or whatever...make up a list for yourself for the day or evening, don't overload yourself but enough to keep you busy.

Then at the end of the day you can look back on all that you got done! Works for me...hope this helps!

[Droppyale]

ILC... u are not the only one...

I have a laziness problem...

mmm maybe a to do list will help... i'll try that.

[skybolt_1]

ILC - Do you procrastinate and are lazy only about things that arn't particularly interesting to you? Or is it across the board, everything, whether you like it or not?

If it's only the things that arn't interesting, you might want to talk to your doctor because that's exactly they way I used to be... I couldn't study things that didn't interest me in school, resulting in failing grades, I would never be able to complete chores, ect... turns out that I had a slight bit of ADHD. I chose to take something for it, and now things are a LOT better (I have the grades to prove it )

skybolt_1

[Chuckiechan]

I'll get back to you. I don't really want to answer now...

Zzzz...

Actually, you should have your doctor evaluate you for depression and have a full blood test. We all get lazy at times, and putting things off is actually prioritizing, but with the wrong choices. Unless you are sitting in front of the window staring blankly, with your mind in neutral, you need to see where your time is going and stop wasting time on useless endeavors until you are done with the important stuff.

[Droppyale]

I dont think there's a need for a doctor or examination... The solution is just to looka ahead and see where your life is going... and realize u are making a big mistake.

At least that's the way i see it.

And being this way doesnt mean u are depressed... jeezz... dont take it that far.

[ILC]

Chuckie is right, I do need to re-prioritize and make a list (good idea, Gouki).
I am not lazy in the sense that I sit around all day and do nothing…it’s more in the fashion that I rarely do anything at what I am capable of; I would estimate that 80% of what I do is performed at about 50% of my capability.

I would not be the least bit surprised if I was diagnosed with depression. I am always down about something and am rarely ‘happy’. I won't go to the doctor, though. Not that severe.

ILC

[Droppyale]

Originally posted by ILC

I would not be the least bit surprised if I was diagnosed with depression. I am always down about something and am rarely ‘happy’.

Well if you think about that then u might actually get depressed...

Just snap out of it.

see the reality ahead.

[skybolt_1]

Droppyale - I tried to "snap out of it" for 6 years. My mother always told me it was my fault that I had a "bad attitude" and I constantly thought that I was a bad kid.

It took a caring girlfriend and a best friend to convince me to finally talk to my doctor, which was one of the hardest things I've ever done. People, especially guys I think, hate admitting that they have a quote-unquoute "problem."

I don't know about any of you, but I'm not able to climb out of bed in the morning and tell me brain to make more dopamine/seratonin, whatever else helps the receptors fire. It's a chemical problem (usually) - its not a choice you can make. Choice is part of the healing process, and I'm not saying everyone should be medicated, but the fact of the matter is, some things you can't control no matter how hard you want to.

O and BTW - ILC, do you get much exercise? I started working out and damn does it feel good... they say thats the number one booster if your depressed.

skybolt_1

[vass0922]

Originally posted by Droppyale
Just snap out of it.

Hmmm you should be a pysch! All of your patients come in with mental issues
"OH just snap out of it you wuss"

Chances are you woudln't get very many clients, because its NOT that easy!!

It may work for a FEW people, but most people when they're depressed they simply don't care anymore, or to a lesser degree do care.. just don't have the energy or motivation to do anything about it.

Depression is a serious concern, we can't make you see a doc but if you find a list and some will power just isn't goign to cut it.. it maybe a serious consideration.

[Droppyale]

I guess you guys are right.. it's hard for somebody to say they have a problem... but sometimes it just takes a small step, and once u start you'll feel good about your acomplishment.

At least that's the way I am.

in any case... ILC... maybe some cafeine? works for me



I've also found that when u are hungry or not eating right, that it has an affect also.

When i'm hungry, and that is every 3 hours... I get get so lazzy, and i just stare and look around like a zombie.

dunno what else to say... maybe a doc is a good idea.

[M_Six]

I tend to agree with vass. A doctor may be the place to start. Just be VERY reluctant to take any prescription drugs. Try holistic (natural) remedies first. Sometimes the drugs can lead to a downhill spiral that's difficult to pull out of.

Another option that's always worked for me is a change in lifestyle, whether it be a new job, a new living arrangement, or a new location. I tend to get sick of a static situation after three or four years and start itching for a change. That itch usually manifests itself as depression and/or lethargy. Make a change if you can.

[surreal]

Originally posted by M_Six
I tend to agree with vass. A doctor may be the place to start. Just be VERY reluctant to take any prescription drugs. Try holistic (natural) remedies first. Sometimes the drugs can lead to a downhill spiral that's difficult to pull out of.

I partly agree with M_Six, perhaps you might want to try some St. Johns Wart. That's an herb. But if it doesn't work I suggest just talking to your family doctor. I disagree that anti depressants would lead to a down hill spiral. Many times 3 to 6 months of use of a mild anti depressant does just the trick, and your body gets back to producing the right brain chemicals with a little help.

[vass0922]

Originally posted by surreal

I partly agree with M_Six, perhaps you might want to try some St. Johns Wart. That's an herb. But if it doesn't work I suggest just talking to your family doctor. I disagree that anti depressants would lead to a down hill spiral. Many times 3 to 6 months of use of a mild anti depressant does just the trick, and your body gets back to producing the right brain chemicals with a little help.

so what are you trying to say?!
caffeine, sugar, and cholesterol aren't the only nutrients and vitamins the brain needs

[Siliconjunkie]

Originally posted by M_Six
I tend to agree with vass. A doctor may be the place to start. Just be VERY reluctant to take any prescription drugs. Try holistic (natural) remedies first. Sometimes the drugs can lead to a downhill spiral that's difficult to pull out of.

Last year I was having problems at work and it took them stepping in and sending me to a doctor becasue I didnt want to admit that something may be wrong. I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and since then it has almost taken a load off me and I function alot better. It hasnt been as simple as "just doing it" or anything like that. I take medication for it, which was another hard step. It meant admitting that I couldnt fix it myself. Now, I take my meds and it has made a huge improvement in my outlook, my attitude and my performance.

I'm not saying that this is the case for anyone else. But, the moral is to not be afraid that you are "weak" or anything like that. Above all else you are human, and will be flawed.

[Brainchild]

I have two horrible habits – procrastination and laziness;

That's just a way of life as far as I'm concerned

Actually if it is severe enough for you to ask our opinion, then chances are you should see a DR,and have an evaluation done.Depression is very serioius,and should be taken seriously.

[THRUSH]

gouki has a good thought imo. many times it seems people are overwhelmed with all the things they have to do, would like to do, could do and then just do nothing or spread it around and do a bunch of those things but just not put a lot into any of them or start feeling guilty because you're doing one thing when you feel like you should be putting your energy into another thing.
Putting a few things on a schedule and just keeping the rest out of sight is a good thing to do. Then you know what you will do, when you'll do it and you can focus your energy on those things one at a time and really enjoy it or atleast enjoy the results of your hard work. Mix in some work and play, chores and rewards.

As for the depressed feelings, I agree with some of what everyone says. Droppyale has a decent point in that everyone feels depressed at times, but not everyone has depression. You're doing the right thing by talking to people here. Talking to anyone has a great effect on your mind and mood. A doctor or pschologist/psychiatrist, therapist, counselor, can always help though and just answer any questions you may have about the way you feel. My opinion is to not jump on the drug wagon too quickly. I feel they are overprescribed just because people and insurance companies want a quick fix and sometimes that's necessary but this situation doesn't sound like an emergency imo. Drugs alone aren't going to solve things of course, there has to be some reprogramming along with the hardware changes and sometime upgrading the software/drivers is all you need.
I would not take the st johns wort myself, not a good idea to be doping yourself up. I would definitely talk to your doctor if you feel chemicals might help.
Sometimes employers, usually schools or non-profit groups have free counseling or groups you can join. I have a lot to say about this, but probably shouldn't ramble more since I'm at work.
Anyway, just imho of course.

[Gouki]

Originally posted by Droppyale
see the reality ahead.

LOL. If he isn't depressed now...he will be! Reality will do it to ya everytime.

But ya I find that making a small to-do list helps me quite a bit...there's been many times where I'll get ready to go to bed and realize, "Oh ya...I was gonna do this or that" and more then likely I spent the evening playing a game on the PC, surfing the web, watching tv, etc, etc...this way...I've got my list of stuff that needs to get done...I do it...then I can goof off. Like a reward.

And exercising...OMG yes it helps so much. Not only do you feel better...but you feel better about yourself ie, self esteem. I've been involved in martial arts for a little over 7 years now and there's been times in my life where I wasn't as active as I could have been...or should have been. When times get tough and you just don't feel like doing anything...that's when you need to exercise the most! I've literally had good friends come up to me and ask me if I'd been to class lately...and when I tell em no they say, "Ya I can tell" Apparently there's a noticeable difference in me when I'm working out regularly and when I'm not so active. I'll admit this too while I'm at it...this is one of those times that I should be working out...and I haven't been. Going through a divorce and I'm sure things are gonna get ugly. I really, REALLY should be working out...but lately I haven't felt very social and just don't feel like going. Notice I didn't say when I don't have problems. Ya right. lol. This is life...there's always gonna be problems. It's how you deal with em that is important.

To quote one of my favorite movies:

"You mock my pain!"
"Life is pain. Anyone that says differently is selling something."

<steps down from his soap box and puts it away>


Btw...score yourself a bonus point if you know which movie that quote came from

[skybolt_1]

With the St. John's Wort, be VERY CAREFULL if you do decide to take it.... it has been proven to cause severe nerve damage if you expose yourself to a lot of sunlight after taking it for a few months. I guess it builds up along your nerves and when it gets hit with prolonged sunlight it changes some chemical to an acidic solution and can eat away your nerve endings.

This happened to my dad a little before they figured it out.

skybolt_1

[Droppyale]

Originally posted by Gouki


LOL. If he isn't depressed now...he will be! Reality will do it to ya everytime.

by that i meant realizing that if you keep being lazy, and letting time go by, you will regret it.

now, if you do something about it NOW!.... then the chance of you being "depressed" or regreting something in the future, is less possible.