Procrastinators Anonymous

Hi euro_girl! I'm in a village near London. And oh yes, I am as messy as you are! I just tidied my room - for the first time since moving in a year and a half ago. I'd forgotten what colour my carpet was! I don't OWN an iron. I'm broke and yet still haven't managed to fill in the past several years of tax returns to get a much-needed tax rebate. But I have just managed to go through all my post - and found unopened stuff from 2008!

Yeah... I identify with practically everything you've said. I was self-employed too for a while and it's the most challenging procrastination situation in the world as far as I'm concerned. Even 'normal' people struggle with procrastination when they're self-employed. So you've got nothing to be ashamed of. Welcome, and I hope you find this site really useful- I know I have!

I'm in London. I too am the same. Very messy home, years of paperwork in piles.  

It is very difficult to be motivated when depressed.  I have experienced clinical depression too and at that time I could not even open my post or get dressed.  I found antidepressants very helpful. They restored me to 'normal' functioning within a month. I didn't find it difficult to stop taking them when I was ready so I kow they can be helpful to get you over a rough patch. Now I am careful to exercise regularly as that can help ward off mild depression. Perhaps a visit to the doctor might be in order?

It may be a good idea to stop drinking at least until you have sorted out the depression as even small amounts of alcohol can contribute to depression. AA can be a good support for that if you need it. There are good AA sites online as well as local meetings. 

I am no longer depressed but I still struggle with the housework. I am beginning to wonder if I am adult ADHD. I grew up in an alcoholic home and I am co-dependent. I was very surprised to discover that a family history of alcoholism, anxiety and depression can be one of the many factors in adult ADHD at least according to this quiz. 

http://www.simplywellbeing.com/20-questions-are-you-add-adhd 

I found Emotinal Freedom Technique very useful in quickly releasing my negative emotions. This means that I don't feel quite so overwhelmed quite so much and I have more energy to devote to these tasks. 

 I have been here a month and I am making slow progress. This site is useful as there are so many here who understand that sometimes dragging order from the chaos is like hiking in treacle. It is difficult to break habits of a lifetime but I can see that I am slowly getting there. 

Glad you have found us.

I'm in London.

Hi, I'm not in the UK, but I'm in Europe too.  So, almost same time zone. Welcome.  Can relate to a lot of what you are saying re: time for others but not self. 

Just made it through a hurdle yesterday.  Had to say "no" to a commitment request I don't have time for this weekend (without having to sacrifice time for my work).  Person was incredibly persistent... but I held my stance. 

Also, until I get better with this procrastination thing, I'm beginning to realize that I have to give myself a lot more time to accomplish tasks.  That way, if I do have slip ups (wasting time internet surfing, other mindless activities and/or time wasters), I'm less in a panic because I've given myself "lee-way" time so to speak.

It might not work for everyone, but does seem to be helping me at this time in my recovery. 

See you around the forum.

I don't know how I missed this and didn't reply - sorry pro!

I'm based around Norwich too. Come on UK members - speak up!