Getting Motivated ...

[Meghan87]

Most nights I go to bed with 100% determination that I am going to get out of bed in the morning and work out, get my chores done and do one of the hobbies I use to enjoy then most morning I find myself unable to make that first step...get out of bed, this is either due to the depression caused by coping with ptsd or the fear from ptsd... I have trouble cleaning my home because I am so overwhelmed with the fear of being attacked that I can't get up. everyday chores are very difficult for me because I cannot focus on cleaning and be 100 aware of what is going on around me in every room at all times..the worst is the vacuum because I cannot hear anything over it... I was wondering if anyone had any advice on getting out of bed so I can start my exercise which helps me get on with my day...maybe something that has helped you ?

 

[a3a2]

I struggle with the same thing at time. Might I suggest not trying to tackle everything at one, but make small goals. For example: Instead of trying to vacuum the whole house, vacuum for only five minutes today. Then reward yourself...a relaxing cup of tea. I think as you see progress, you will get more able to tackle the chores

Love your avitar, BTW!.

 

[franciemarnie]

I am with @a3a2 re: not tackling the whole kit and kaboodle. I would even go so far as to suggest making one small task the day's goal. Finish that and then sit down and restore. Feel good about that accomplishment. Give yourself a break, and a treat.

If you want to try another chore or fun thing later, do it but then sit back and restore again.

I know the lethargy of depression and burn out. There isn't enough gas in the engines. They will fill up again someday. Be gentle with yourself.

 

[Meghan87]

Thank you for the Tips I am for sure going to try this :)

 

[Meghan87]

@a3a2 thnx I love Penguins so much!! they are so compassionate and loving and they mate for life :) The male penguins take care of their families with the up most love and respect :)

 

[DMerish]

I've had PTSD twenty plus years (as an adult). My symptoms have gone into (what I call) "remission" - for several years, a few times. Movement towards "remission" and relief from symptoms, the more I'm able to engage in my life and do things.

What you described happens to the more I'm unable to manage (all) my symptoms. When my symptoms are really bad, I make my outter life as simple as possible and work on my inner life to deal with the symptoms. I make very few committments duiring those periods, and set small goals - a few examples: make my bed after I get out of it in the morning, eat one fully balanced and healthy meal each day, and maintain gas in the car so I don't run out, etc. As I begin feeling better and take notice that I'm doing (normal) things more normally, I then add other things to my agenda.

A year ago I felt lucky if I was free of flashbacks for more than an hour, got three hours of sleep each day and if I left my house more than twice in a week. Now things are different. What I've learned, overall, is that that no human being can do everything when they want to all of the time; that it's okay to lower my expectations of myself, it's okay to lower my standards; I can say "No" to other people - their opinions matter little in comparsion to what I know I need to do to feel better, "keep it together" somewhat, and continute to move forward in tiny ways (even when times are really, tough).