Get it Done When You’re Depressed # 27

Focus, Focus, Focus.

I often space out and float around when things aren’t going well. I’ve learned a simple technique that works. I say, “Focus Julie. Just focus Julie. Focus now. What comes first? Focus Julie.”

This targets my jumbled brain. I can then actually look at something such as a pile of papers and say, “Focus Julie and pick the first step.” Saying this out loud especially helps. It’s better than the thoughts in my head that say I never get anything done!

Julie

1 comment to Get it Done When You’re Depressed # 27

Lynne Buchanan

January 7, 2009 at 9:12 pm

Hi, Julie,

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1987. Currently the only medication I am taking is Lithium 1,050 mg. daily. I took Lamictal up until July or August of this year, 100 mg., and took myself off of it accidentally when my husband was in the hospital and I was back and forth between home and to see him in the hospital.

My husband and I work together. He is a commercial tile contractor, I do the bookkeeping, secretarial, clerical work. Most days I don’t sit down at my desk to work until 12:00 or 1:00. Then when I do it is very difficult to work. I’m constantly stopping work, or doing other things before I get started, such as Free Cell, checking/writing email, going to the kitchen for snacks, Just like right now it is 3:04p.m., and the only things I have done today that qualify as work is one email and one phone call. I have the W-2 forms on the desk, and they need to be sent out this week. My husband and I are going out of town on January 1. Before then I need to file the Form 941, Form 940, Texas Workforce Commission forms must be filed as well. All this must be done for our two corporations. Yet I am sitting here emailing you (which is necessary in my opinion) because I have complete trust that you will be able to help me. The disturbing thing to me is that it is after 3:00p.m. and I have accomplished next to nothing.

Please give me some advice. I have a good doctor that I trust, but when I see her I’m usually in a good mood, doing pretty good that day, and she doesn’t see this lack of working as a great problem. To me procrastination is one thing, but playing games and emailing when I should be working is very upsetting. I will look forward to your reply.

Thank you,

Lynne Buchanan