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I get nothing done because of depression. Or, I suppose, to put it more accurately, I get almost nothing done because of the symptoms of depression. I use to-do lists. I prioritize what needs to be done. I chunk things into small pieces. I use all the techniques you can think of to try to overcome this inability to actually get things done, and yet it doesn't seem to work. At the end of the day, there is always more to do than when I started. I don't even know how that is possible.
I think tasks can be put on four to-do lists.
When I say that depression makes me get nothing done, I don't mean it makes me get nothing done on all four lists. The truth is, what I can't get done varies from day to day and list to list.
It goes something like that:
Depression is such a bitch. You can quote me on that. Every one of its symptoms can be hell when extreme. But the one that's worst when talking about getting nothing done is demotivation. Demotivation itself is not a symptom of depression, but it comes about because of the symptoms of depression. Specifically, when things don't bring you pleasure at all, you become demotivated. You literally have no reason to do anything. This is because, whether you know it or not, your brain sends out reward chemicals when you complete a task -- even a task you don't want to do. This is biological in nature. When those reward chemicals don't show up, your impetus to do anything disappears.
There are more depression symptoms that aid in getting nothing done too. For example, if you can't think or concentrate and find yourself indecisive (specific depression symptoms), that can absolutely cause you to get nothing done. Similarly, extreme fatigue and an inability to sleep, other depression symptoms can also make getting things done impossible.
And if you can't sleep, have fatigue, can't concentrate, and can't feel pleasure in combination? Well, if that isn't a recipe for getting nothing done then I don't know what is.
Let's not forget that people with depression feel like crap -- about themselves and in general -- and getting nothing done just makes this worse. When I actually look at my to-do lists, and they aren't shrinking, I feel like a failure. When I can't get daily to-dos done, I'm a daily failure. When I can't get long-term to-dos done, I'm just a failure of a human being. I can't do the things that everyone else does without thinking. I don't mean optional things. I mean things that are necessary to my life. Getting nothing done because of depression is horrible and is yet another reason to beat myself up.
I've reached a point where I realize that there is no amount of techniques that can get me to a place where I can accomplish what I need to. It's just not possible. If you're feeling this way, too, here are some suggestions:
None of the above will prevent depression from causing you to go get nothing done, but it will help you deal with that problem.
And finally. talk to your doctor about the problem. If you're in a place where nothing is getting done because of depression, your medications could be doing a better job, obviously. So, make sure your doctor knows about the problem and does what he can to address it through medication changes.
Do you have any suggestions for when depression makes you get nothing done? I'd be thrilled to read about them.
Natasha Tracy is an award-winning writer, speaker, advocate, and consultant from the Pacific Northwest. She has been living with bipolar disorder for 26 years and has written more than 2000 articles on the subject.
Find more of Natasha’s work in her acclaimed book: "Lost Marbles: Insights into My Life with Depression & Bipolar" on Amazon.
Connect with Natasha at the social media links below.
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This is very relatable, Natasha. I try and make routines (smaller lists!so they’re more manageable), but I’m finding I need to re-routine every few days to stay on track. It’s too staid otherwise.
Hi Natasha,
You have sited good points. I am truly sorry for the difficulties you have been facing. Anxiety can also have a significant impact on various aspects of your life, and it can be challenging to overcome without support and guidance. Proactively seeking the help of a mental health expert can make a significant difference in your overall well-being, and it is important to prioritize your mental health just as you would your physical health.
I’ve been pretty much “getting by” w my depression; but this last month really knocked me for a loop. After all the time we’d stayed home bc of Co-vid; we finally had a family trip planned –the 4 of us. One by one each of us got sick and their was a broken leg thrown in for the mix. We had to cancel it all. The 3 weeks worth of difficult packing I had done was already such a downer (as you can’t buy certain things where I was going so you’d better remember the small things) it affected me badly depression wise, but then I suddenly developed an inflamed stomach lining, trouble swallowing and then a cold equivalent to pneumonia set in and I was off to the races.
I just caved.
Weeks in a sick bed, no appetite, no nothing. My nightly shower became just a memory. If it wasn’t for my spouse I’d have taken a bottle of pills. He did the best he could, but come on, – one person can’t do everything. We sought help outside the home. Your column, your encouragement, your ideas have helped me so much to dig my way back to the world. One step at a time. Thank you Natasha. You never know who you are helping out here. I wish I could hug you. xx
Hi Stevie,
I’m so sorry you went through that. It’s amazing that your spouse was there for you, and getting help outside the home was obviously the right thing to do.
You’re welcome for everything. Thank you for your kind words. As always, it is my honor to help.
— Natasha Tracy
cant get out of bed!!
Thanks for this article!
I’ve had to learn to be misunderstood. It’s not worth my time to try to educate people who don’t want to be educated. They just think you’re using it as an excuse anyway.
It seems so basic, but I absolutely have to talk myself into cleaning the house. I get so angry because everything falls to me. I work full time, am a full time caregiver to my mom and I feel like giving up. I’ve suffered from depression and anxiety my entire life and the older I get, the more I want it all to end. Thank you for letting us know we are not alone.
Hi Cathy,
I’m so sorry. That sounds so difficult. If you feel like you can’t clean with all that happening, I think that makes you human. And no, you are not alone. I hope you can find some help, either paid or not.
Best,
— Natasha Tracy
This hit me right between the eyes! Been a list maker since I was a child-it has enabled me to keep going every day, one way or another. I write lists on scraps of paper, fancy notepads , online, in a journal and my big basic calendar. I Always have items that roll over. Daily lists, weekly lists, the Master to do list I have to do in categories…I need to do my 2020 taxes now for years! I look back over my calendar and see trends, things that are still undone and not on an active list…sigh. Depression for me is a Beast that beats me up for not being normal. I totally baffle friends and family because I can look and act normal to get by, it’s a talent I loathe having…then I get “attacked” for being late, fail to meet deadlines and just struggle like my mind is in a strait jacket.
Thank you for the blurb-I don’t feel so alone as you speak to me through your writing!
Depression is a B. You got that right. Great suggestions. One day at a time. Do what you can. All you can do. I suffer too. It’s hard. Thank you.
natasha, i think i’m older than you. (yob = 1961) i may not have much wisdom, but at least i’ve lived with bipolar 1 a very long time; i must be doing something right.
anyhow, sometimes i think, i cannot do X or Y because i am mentally ill. and yes, sometimes that’s true. for example, i cannot hold a steady corporate job because i’m just not corporate material.
still, other times i tell myself the same thing, eg, there’s a mountain of dirty laundry on the floor because i’m bipolar and just can’t cope. and no, that’s not true. there’s a mountain of dirty laundry on the floor because i’m human. this year’s nobel peace prize winner probably has laundry on her floor, too.
Hello Natasha. I try not to play blaming game: I put myself in awe knowing that tomorrow I will do a little more. One day researchers will come up to me with a better treatment and who knows, maybe a cure. Meanwhile, your blog is a blessing. Thank you!
“Depression is such a bitch. You can quote me on that.” Amen! I love the suggestions you made. One that helps me is to sit still for a few minutes each day (yes – I meditate) and let the most urgent thing rise to the surface. When I first began this exercise, everything would jump into my mind in a huge jumble. It was quite uncomfortable. But I knew if I sat with it, let it be, eventually the thoughts would calm. They were simply like children vying for my attention. And it was usually the quiet one sitting the corner that needed me most. Random bipolar stranger hugs to you.