Ticking things of the list

[IrianofWay]

Anyone know what I mean by that? And why it matters?

I feel as if there are a million things to worry about. The only way to cope and keep them under control is to keep ticking them off the list.

Came back from our hols on Saturday. All the worries came tumbling down on my shoulders again. Car needs MOTing and it is going to fail..... expensively. DS1 got a D in his second attempt at his English GCSE after his tutor was sure he'd get a C. Then DH took all three kids to the dentist to be told they had cancelled the appointment and send the letter about it to our old address. So now I have to try and find the time to make another one in term time while I am back at work.

I lost it this afternoon. It feels as if the list is growing and the ticks are not being added. Being overwhelmed.

It sounds as if you are carrying a heavy load at the moment. Is your list mental or do you have it written down? Putting it on paper makes it more manageable.

Decide which tasks are the highest priorities and focus on those. However, if there are small tasks that you can do without expending a lot of time and energy, squeeze those in. It will help you feel that you've made some progress. Share the tasks out between yourself and DH.

Try to break down each task as much as possible. E.g. Phone mechanic to make appointment; Plan alternative transport while car is at mechanic's; Get quote from mechanic to fix car; Look at finances to determine where the money will come from; Instruct mechanic to fix car; etc. etc.

What are the implications for DS1? Will his English mark prevent him from studying further? Can he get a temporary job and attempt the exam again? Could he study something for which English is not a requirement?

Make some me time. I know, I really do, how hard that is to do when you are overwhelmed with things to do, however if your batteries run flat you won't be able to do any of it. You have to spend some time on yourself, recharging. Meditate, go to the gym, meet a friend for coffee, read a book... whatever helps you to relax and feel more in control.

Thankyou lasting.

My load isn't really all that heavy. I just seem to have got weaker. In the past I really was carrying a heavy load - 3 small kids, full time job, DH working long irregular hours and some weekends - but now the kids are older it is easier. When I look back at what I used to acheive every day without thinking about it I don't know how it got done.

I am a depressive who is currently off ADs and treading a very fine line. I really don't want to go back on them but I accept that I may have to. This increasing anxiety and feeling of my world being out of control is one of the symptoms I got when I first got put on cit about 7 years ago.

DH has taken the MOT off my hands - thank goodness but still not sure how we are going to pay but that's a minor matter.

DS1 is already at college studying furniture design - he doesn't need English to continue his course but they will make him do it again this year. If he decides to continue his studies at uni he will need English, let alone when he looks for a permanent job. It's just so bloody unfair!

I have taken your suggestion on board of making a physical list - I remember it was something I did before and it did help.

I run - that is my me-time and it also helps with the depression. It's my one essential that I never do without.

Thankyou again x

Glad to help. Don't be scared of AD's, take them for 6 months to a year if you need to and then come off again. I've been taking them non-stop for 12 years now and it's like a diabetic needing his insulin - nothing to be ashamed of.

It's not the shame per se. It's the little side effects - weight gain, lack of libido, loss of my sense of smell. Nothing major in comparison with severe depression but if I can cope with the ADs and the side effects I would like to.