Not sure where to post.... feeling low and needing to chat

[NotANaturalGeordie]

Hi everyone

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post, sorry if this should be somewhere else.

I guess I've got the New Year blues again . I have no particular reason to feel down. I'm avoiding a particularly hard and important piece of work but there's still 3 weeks to the deadline. I have plenty to be grateful for but can't seem to get out of this low mood and get on with living. Any advice would really be appreciated.

Is anyone available to chat?

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

Sorry you're feeling down. Avoiding work tends to just kick the can down the road... maybe you'd feel more positive if you at least got it out and had a read through? Or take a walk, perhaps? I find fresh air, exercise and the thin grey stuff that passes for sunlight at this time of year is better than being cooped up in the house 24/7. (Eyes boots in corner....)

[poppysqueak]

Hi Nota
I'm not sure I can offer sound advice, but can chat if that helps.
I think it's very common to feel down at this time of year, post Christmas/weather etc. Is the piece of work you need to do the possible cause of your low mood, are you worried about it or is there something else niggling away to make you feel sad and down?

[NotANaturalGeordie]

Thanks for replying. You're probably right about getting out of the house, I've sort of decided that today is a write off and tomorrow will be a fresh start on the whole project (I've got to collect DD1 and DD2 from school shortly).

I guess it's kind of sad having a pity party all on my own lol. I'm struggling to keep busy while the girls are at school, and making avoiding work my main occupation....

[NotANaturalGeordie]

Hi Poppy

Yes, it's an essay resubmission for a Masters Course. All my student colleagues have finished and passed the course except me because I failed this essay. I have to resubmit in about 3 weeks - if I fail this time I fail the course which is two years of scrimping and saving and struggle for nothing.

So instead of working my very hardest I procrastinate.

[poppysqueak]

I completely agree withCogito that regular fresh air even just for half an hour can help clear the cobwebs and help you think more clearly.
Perhaps force yourself to sit down for 30 mins and block out a skeleton of your essay or assignment to see if that gives a bit of focus and impetus.
Sometimes I suppose it's a case of grit your teeth and get on with it(says I the great prevaricator!)

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

Ah... procrastination. I could sit a degree course in that :)

[IfNotNow]

NotA, I've been debating starting exactly this same post. I also have a project deadline in 3 weeks but I have lots of work to do for it in the run up and just cannot muster any energy/enthusiasm for it. I'm massively procrastinating and getting more and more stressed.

Like you, I have no real reason to feel as down as I do and actually have much to be thankful for but I can feel myself sinking into a bit of a depression (I have history of depression too).

I feel overwhelmed and at breaking point but don't know how to snap myself out of it . Sorry for the thread hijack. I have no advice obviously but I can totally relate.

[poppysqueak]

Oh no wonder you're a bit scared to get on with it when such a lot is riding on it. Do you have a tutor or mentor who could give some extra support or act as a sounding board?
Good luck you can do it.

[NotANaturalGeordie]

Hello IfNotNow

I'm grateful for understanding company . I have a history of depression as well and my early signs are starting. I'm very afraid of failing this essay - I have a job offer riding on passing it and right now it almost seems easier not to do it than to try really hard and fail - does that kind of self-sabotage make sense?

Poppy you and Cogito are right about getting out in the fresh air. IfNotNow I could PM you tomorrow and we could hold hands through this next three weeks?

[NotANaturalGeordie]

Poppy I have been organised enough to get the module tutor to approve an essay plan. It's a 2500 word essay and in theory I should manage it ok - especially as I passed the 15,000 word dissertation (still can't quite believe that lol).

Still too scared to actually write it though .

[poppysqueak]

Nota
If you know you are starting to slide into depression please don't leave it like I did, go and see your GP and ask for support. I won't need to tell you that the earlier you tackle it the easier it is to control.
It sounds like an excellent idea for you and Ifnotnow to join forces and encourage each other through your little blip. Because that's all it is, the self-sabotage is so familiar, but you can do it and do it well and move on!
Sermon over.

[NotANaturalGeordie]

Thanks for the sermon and the company Poppy

I'm off to get the kids from school - tomorrow is another day, hopefully filled with successful essay writing lol

[poppysqueak]

You welcome Nota and
PS IAmANaturalGeordie!

[NotANaturalGeordie]