messmaker
New Member
Joined: September 2008
Posts: 10
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Post by messmaker on Sept 22, 2008 15:59:21 GMT -5
Hi everyone. I am new here to this forum.
I have a LOT of trouble keeping my house looking presentable. I hate housework with a passion. Fortunately, I am not as bad as I used to be. I have depression and ADD which makes things hard for me and before I was medicated my place was so bad that I would go into a panic attack if someone knocked on my door. I am still having problems though. My place may not be completely squalorous but it's bad enough to cause some embarrassment. I will let people in although I am ashamed. At least I can walk through the house without stepping over things so that's what I call progress. I am also in therapy and my counselor and I are working on some issues. I was not raised in squalor, actually my mom is a neat freak.
Right now my place isn't so bad that I don't know where to start or how to get it done, the problem is getting motivated to get it done and staying FOCUSED! I also procastinate like crazy. I have trouble with maintenance and I go through periods of depression where I feel like total crap and go from having trouble concentrating to not concentrating at all. When I feel bad enough, I don't feel like doing anything and wonder what is the use. As soon as I get my work done, it gets bad again and fast! Often, I will be almost done and I don't finish the work. What gives?
I am so tired of living like this. I wish my house could look like everyone elses and I could actually be proud to have people over.
I need some maintenance tips plus what to do when I am very depressed. I take medicine but I still have my down periods.
Anyways I am glad to know that I am not alone and that there are people with housework problems just as bad or worse than mine. Thanks for listening.
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Post by brainjam on Sept 22, 2008 16:14:12 GMT -5
Dear messmaker,
For me, this journey started with "three things."
I saw that on the Listzilla part of the board and it just clicked with me.
I started with "pick up three things and throw them out."
And when I get stuck, that is still how I start now.
I salute you for the strength to get help with
the depression and A.D.D.
I think it is a sign of strength to know when
we cannot do it alone.
Brain Jam
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Post by ramatama on Sept 22, 2008 16:14:46 GMT -5
First of all, WELCOME! second, having depression is tough enough to get through small routines, combined with ADD, well there's the double whammy for you. It is no wonder you are having difficulties..... However, it can be done. BUT! it will never be perfect, so please just settle for good enough and try to see the positive in any one task you do accomplish. Maintenance is boring and can be depressing. Try using the creative part of ADD and trick yourself into making some game out of the tasks. I can tell you what i do ( did ) I used books on tape to listen to as i worked. Now i have an mp3 player and i download shows i want to hear (mostly science these days with a bit of comedy) I will use reward systems (helps ADD and depression): i permit myself to watch a TV show as long as i jump up at every commercial break and do something household related. After an hour of TV , those little bits i did have added up and i didn't even feel bad doing the work. Am sure some other members here have some suggestions for you. Be kind to yourself.  |
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Post by brenda on Sept 23, 2008 13:39:20 GMT -5
I thing that really helps is a weekly cleaning schedule. No thinking, just do what it says to on that day and if you need to break it down hour by hour.
Maintenance cleaning can be done even when feeling pretty crappy as it is routine. I put on my ipod and work as fast as I can to get it done. It is a necessary part of life and when we build it up to be all horrible we make it ten times as bad.
Good luck,
Brenda
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Post by 60isolderthanithot on Sept 23, 2008 16:17:56 GMT -5
Some days are just hard, that's all.
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