Get It Done When You're Depressed (5 page)

There are two things happening here. One has to do with a pervasive sense of not trusting your own judgment. When you’re not depressed, you can make many decisions that are accompanied by a feeling of confidence (
I feel confident that this is a good choice
), but during depression, self-doubts predominate.

Also, when you’re depressed, you have a greater tendency to primarily see the negative, even in decision-making. A decision such as choosing a restaurant can have some positive elements but also some negative elements. When you’re depressed, you’re more likely to interpret this choice as exclusively negative.

It’s difficult to make a decision when your choices are clouded by depression. By overriding your ill brain and making a decision no matter how it feels, you can calm your thoughts to the point that you can actually enjoy your decision. Once you get used to this process, you can face choices with a plan and always be confident that you know what choice to make.

Here are some other thoughts to consider:

Remember:
Never negotiate with depression. When in doubt and overwhelmed with choices, make one decision. Do it—don’t analyze it—and stick to it!

Depression can make you feel uncomfortable no matter where you try to work. Maybe you move around all day, trying to find the perfect place that feels right. Or maybe you’re too easily distracted by the goings-on around you. No matter your situation, if you’re not comfortable in your work space, you’re not likely to get things done when you’re depressed.

Feeling fidgety or distracted in your work space is a normal part of depression. You can have the feeling that you’d do better if your desk were different or you had more cabinets for your files. And when you have work to do at home, you can feel like moving furniture or buying something new so you can work more effectively. In fact, there’s a chance you won’t feel comfortable working anywhere.

Only you know what helps you get things done. Is it a totally clutter-free desk? Do you need music to work by or complete silence? Does it need to be cold or warm? If you can’t focus on anything when you need to work, you have to locate yourself someplace where you are able to focus. Look at your choices, pick a place, and most importantly, stick to it. When you want to get up, remind yourself,
This is where I’m working.
It might never feel 100 percent right, but you have to stay put and get your work done.

It’s important that you create a work space that accommodates your depression. You have to set up this space on your good days so when you’re not having a good day, you can sit down and do what you need to do without worrying about the location or the feel of where you work. Knowing what works for you is the first step; the next is creating the space. The final step is sticking to the space when you need to get something done.

Do you have any of these work space worries?

It’s important that you learn to distinguish between what is truly a work space problem and what uncomfortable feelings are simply a result of depression. When you decide this, you can find a space that really works for you.

I’ve worked with computers all my professional life. I always liked the work, but I really hated going in to the office. On the days I felt down, I had to drag myself in on a time schedule that didn’t fit my sleep cycle. I was constantly tired and frustrated. I worked in a small cubicle that was more like a box with no windows. I felt like I was going to scream some days.

I actually do better when I have work choices, especially on the days when I don’t feel up to meeting people. Asking to telecommute was one of the smartest things I did. I still have to do the same amount of software engineering work, but it’s in my home office and on my schedule. I get to look out on my backyard, and I always feel better when I see my trees and hammock. Plus, my dog keeps me company.

When I’m well, I can pretty much sit and work anywhere. But when I’m depressed, I’m constantly trying to find a comfortable work space. I don’t like to write at home, because I feel too isolated. I have trouble at coffee shops simply because I have too many papers to spread out, and I feel guilty for being there too long when I only have one cup of coffee. I’ve rented office space, gone to the library, and tried to find a group where I can sit and work with other people, but I’ve never found anything permanent. My main problem is loneliness while I work. I can handle noise, but it’s the quiet I don’t like.

I’m still searching. I wrote part of this book in a nice space with brick walls and interesting pictures on the wall, but I felt like I was in a void without human contact. At the library, I feel that I’m isolated because all around me people are reading or studying in small groups and I’m writing alone.

Because depressed people have trouble maintaining attention and concentration, lots of places may seem too distracting. Maybe you anticipate that it won’t be conducive to productive work, and that may be accurate. Or maybe, while depressed, you, like many other depressed people, have a general state of pessimism, with little energy and motivation and a mental state that predicts failure or frustration. In such cases, almost any environment could seem like it isn’t suitable.

Constantly searching for a comfortable place to work can take a lot of your time. By planning ahead and finding or creating a space that fits your style, you can feel more comfortable and the work can flow more easily. On the other hand, if you can’t find a space that feels right, do the best you can and know that you’ll be more comfortable on better days.

Consider these suggestions from others:

Remember:
When you have a project due or especially work that requires sitting, think of the environment that makes it easier to get this done and create or find that environment. If you can’t find a place that feels comfortable, remind yourself that you have to choose a location anyway. Once there, stay put, work, and don’t change your mind.

People with depression use many different techniques to manage the illness, and it’s important that you know which techniques work for you. For some, a soft approach is needed. For others, tough love is more helpful. Even if you’re the type who responds well to softer language, you probably have days when talking to yourself in a kind and gentle way just won’t work. It might be that the depression won’t lift and getting things done is impossible, even if you use a certain approach that’s helped in the past. These are the days when you have to step aside and let someone or something else take over. Sometimes you need to call upon your inner drill sergeant and let him or her take over and get you back on track. This takes imagination and a willingness to be slightly silly, but you can do it.