What Can I Do to Stop “depression” From Interfering With My School Work?
Question by Profile: What can I do to stop “depression” from interfering with my school work?
I just feel like sleeping all day. Its really hard to get all my work done now and I started out this year doing very well.
I guess I can start exercising is there anything else like maybe some kind of food?
I guess I would call it recurring. Last year I almost failed almost failed because I was not feeling very well. I would like to avoid that.
Best answer:
Answer by The One
Do you have acute or recurring depression (long term) or just short terms bursts? Add Details. It does matter.
Answer by gardensallday
Study for 45 min, take a 15 min break, and REWARD yourself. get a bowl of ice cream, call a friend, play a videogame, read a book, whatever. Then study another 45 min, take another 15 min break, and REWARD again. repeat if needed. If you are too depressed for that, study 30 min, take a 15 min break, and so on. I got my math and geology degrees in spite of severe depression due to bipolar disorder by using this method. In addition, in math class, do the easy homework first, using example problems as a guide, THEN go back and read the theory. It will make more sense, and it will go much faster. In science classes, go thru and read the captions under pictures first, and look at graphs and charts, THEN go back and read the chapter, and it makes more sense and goes faster. For essays, learn to do outlines – they save much time and your essay will be better.
Generic Practical Depression tips (PRINT THEM OUT):
The library has self-help books on depression.
Many meds cause or worsen depression, including birth control, blood pressure, pain, acne, antipsychotic, anxiety (benzos) or sleeping medications, alcohol, illicit drugs and MANY others.
Hypothyroidism mimics depression . Too little sleep, or sleep disorders like sleep apnea, or interrupted sleep (crying baby, barking dog) can cause depression.
If depression is worse in winter, use a light box (10,000 Lux (light intensity) at about 20” – about $ 300 online, you don’t need full spectrum, Sunray is a good brand). I have extra windows, painted the walls peach & yellow & have a skylight. There’s a link to a cheaper lightbox & more info at psycheducation.org. Also you can try 1000 to 2000 IU of Vitamin D in winter. It may work, or may be placebo treatment.
Try meditation like progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery. See The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne. Free 15 minute guided imagery at healthjourneys.com and many free meditations at youtube.
Go out with friends, & if you don’t have any, join a club e.g. hobby club, bowling league & MAKE yourself go. “Isolating” makes depression worse!
Exercise 1/2 hour a day, & anytime you feel depressed or anxious. LOTS OF RESEARCH SUPPORTS THIS as the most effective depression treatment of all.
Insomnia?: Go to bed & get up the same time each day, even weekends. Don’t use your bedroom to watch TV, read or use the computer. Don’t do stuff that revs you up before bed, like exercising & using the computer. Light from computer screens & TV wakes you up. Blue light is the worst offender – dim the lights and use an old-fashioned incandescent bulb the last hour. Make the bedroom very dark, even cover up the clock. Mask disturbing sounds with a fan or try soundsleeping.com or youtube, etc. Avoid caffeine after noon.
Put colorful, happy things around the house. Do nice things for yourself. Make a list of things that make you happy, like: bread fresh from the oven, the crisp sound of a saltine cracker breaking, fresh sheets on the bed, touching frost on the windowpane, etc. Read that list when you are down. Use comforting scents. I like vanilla & cloves.
Work on time management if you are overwhelmed. Cut back on other responsibilities so you can spend more time with friends & family. Ask for help with chores.
Spend more time with your pet, if you have one.
DON’T listen to sad music! Listen to upbeat stuff- same with movies & novels.
DISTRACT yourself. Read a novel, watch a comedy, go out with friends, play cards or a video game, whatever keeps your mind busy.
Volunteer. Helping others makes you feel better about yourself & you make a difference, too. If you are religious, your religion may help keep you involved in the community.
Put a half-smile on your face. Changing your expression is proven to help change mood.
Try free computerized cognitive behavioral therapy at moodgym.anu.edu.au. Also, if you have an abuse history, it is likely to be a major cause of your depression.
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PS I use that rewarding trick to get housework done when I am severely depressed, also.
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