Procrastination And Ptsd

[Trinomial]

I've read that procrastination is a maladaptive coping mechanism. It's a learned behavior or sometimes the result of feeling controlled or powerless. It can be seen as avoidance, self-sabotage, or even rebellion.

Do you procrastinate? Do you think it's common for people with PTSD? How do you overcome it?

I procrastinate so much. I feel like I'm all talk and no action, and talk is cheap.

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

Ummm, procrastination is my 'motto' I think. I've been trying to organize my bedroom and office (2 rooms in a mobile home) for about 6-8 YEARS. I've finally decided a lot of it is that I have too much stuff in too small of an area. It looks 'hoarder-ish'.

I have begun the project SO many times it's nuts. But I have decided on some sentimental things that really have no 'value', but were made for me by children, therefore giving them emotional value. I lay them out nicely with a calm background, take a picture and throw the item away. Then I have a picture versus a 'dust-able'.

And, paperwork is going out, out, OUT!!

I, at one time, was called a 'chronic neaten-er'. Hard to believe now. But I REFUSE to give UP!!

I'll work on it....LATER...LOL...the procrastinator motto!

Thanks for bringing the topic up, so I could 'confess',:whistling:

 

[Deleted member 12723]

As a caregiver doing everything now I do put off things if I do not feel like them. I do the basics everyday. I used to be alot worse. I was overwhelmned. We sold our house so I have improved greatly. But I still remain flexible and cut me some slack. Things get done. Good topic.

 

[Pencil]

I hope it is a ptsd symptom - then I can stop feeling so CRAP about it! Thanks for bringing it up.

 

[Shellbell]

I put off everything until the last minute, or do things late. I used to be very organized and micro-managed everything but not anymore.

For me, it is an avoidance mechansim. If I avoid it, then I don't have to be stressed about it.

 

[aka]

Not sure if its a PTSD symptom but I do procrastinate a lot. I usually do this to avoid things I don't really want to do. This results in a increase in my anxiety level as the due date or time gets closer. This is when i usually do the thing I have been procrastinating about just to decrease my anxiety level. Then the cycle starts all over again. Sigh, will I ever learn? :whistling:

 

[JustBe]

YUP! I procrastinate until NOT doing whatever it is I'm avoiding is more uncomfortable than just getting it over with!

I'm with you aka!

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

I hope it is a ptsd symptom - then I can stop feeling so CRAP about it! Thanks for bringing it up.

ME, TOO!!!

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I procrastinate a lot.

I wonder if it relates to my fear of failure. Nothing gets done, no opportunity to fail. Well, you KWIM. You never try, so you never fail.

oh bah!

 

[Sues]

I procrastinate too. It feels like avoidance because I use it to avoid doing things that will remind me of triggers or that cause anxiety.

 

[KatB]

I procrastinate a lot.

I wonder if it relates to my fear of failure. Nothing gets done, no opportunity to fail. Well, you KWIM. You never try, so you never fail.

oh bah!

I have a serious confession to make: I am a neat freak! To see things out of order really aggravate me. Better yet, when its not the way I like them to be, then I stress about it and make it "my neatness", if I make any sense. Um, lately I have been one of the worst procrastinater. Maybe, it relates to that fear of failure. I've always put high standards for myself and because others have always seen me succeed, then the idea of not doing it well or not completing it faithfully, it makes me stop. Failure has never been a option for me but now, the tables have turned and I've realized: maybe failure is not stopping doing what you have to do; it's knowing you can probably do it well and you just don't do it because of the unexpected outcomes? Just a word of thought- random...

 

[KatB]

Really random...!