... and I need to tell someone who understands. I've spent all day trying to go through medical bills and write a letter to the college my daughter is wanting to attend. Our income has drastically changed since my dh is going on SSDI and I'm going to part-time for the next school year. We were doing pretty well last year, as shown on our 2007 taxes. So to get any financial aid for college, we will need to be given special consideration.

Anyway, it's times like today that I know my mind just doesn't work as well as it used to. It has taken all day and evening to accomplish what should have, or used to have, taken only a couple of hours.

EVERYTHING just takes so long, whether it be mental or physical. I really am learning to prioritize what needs to be done. But, still, I just get so overwhelmed with all the things that I need to accomplish. It's like every morning, I wake up knowing I will most likely be a failure that day.

I don't know what the answer is or if there even is one.

Thanks for listening.
~Friend

Friend2U,

I hear you and I'm so sorry your having a tough time at the moment. I'm new here but I just wanted to say hello and to let you know that I know what it feels like to become overwhelmed by everything. How about taking a time-out and just go get yourself a nice cup of tea. The papers will still be there when you get back.

Friend, do you take anything for fatigue or cognitive issues? The reason I ask is because when I have a list of mental to do things I try to do them when my Provigil is at its peak level. It seems to help me. Also, I am best in the morning so I don't even attempt these things later than 11:00 am if possible.

And remember not to be hard on yourself. I used to make my to do lists and beat myself up when all didn't get completed. My best boss told me to go ahead with my to do list but when something interrupts and I have to do that before the rest of the list to add it to my list and cross it off as done. Then I don't beat myself up at the end of the day because I did accomplish many things but maybe not those on the list.

Good luck with all you have to do but remember don't be hard on yourself if they don't all get done in one day, week, etc.

Hello Friend2 and yes I understand what you are saying. I make a list every morning and cross things off as I go. Sometimes I only get a couple of the items done. It's not like it used to be and I'm NOT like I used to be.

I get down on myself too. I used to complain about the old me, but I'd love to have her back, flaws and all.

I remember writing a letter to the college before my DD was selected. It was a private univ. and the tuition was astounding. Yes, they seem more interested in your income than what your child could offer to the school unless they are a star athelete.

I finally called the admissions advisor and told him that the figures on our tax return only showed what was coming into our home, not what was going out. I told him about my DS's kidney transplant, I wasn't able to work, etc etc. I laid it on thick... He called me back and they lowered the tution by 5 grand.

So, maybe you could call the schools. Anyway, don't belittle yourself for what you can't do; praise yourself for what you CAN do.

I think we've all been there... Where did energy go?? It went to raising children, keeping a home, being a friend, employee, or just trying to get through each and every day as best we can. We are here for you. (Also, I agree w/what Sassy said)

Take care and pat yourself on the back for all the things you DO accomplish.

Oh, Friend, how I know what you mean! It's hard to believe we are the same person as even a year ago. It's entirely frustrating and even a little scary.

Hopefully, today will be a better day!

[QUOTE=Friend2U;293954 It's like every morning, I wake up knowing I will most likely be a failure that day.

~Friend[/QUOTE]


You woke up...that's not a failure. My DH loves to remind me when I start to become overwhelmed with stuff, that we will never truly finish the list. There's always something else to do, so we do what we can and be happy about it. The next day we start again. I really struggle with this, but I try to keep his perspective in mind.

I know exactly what you mean. I make shorter lists now....it's just a ploy so that I think I'm actually finishing the list - or at least making a dent!!

There's nothing that can't wait a few hours - or until tomorrow.

You're not a failure. We just have different ways of accomplishing the same things everyone else does.

I still beat myself up sometimes 'cuz I can't do things as fast or as much as I used to. I used to be able to clean the whole house in three hours, but those days are gone.

But I've learned to break big projects into small ones. It's still frustrating that it takes longer, but when you see that you are accomplishing something rather than nothing - it does help a little.

I go by priority of what's needing done and what I can do. One day, my goal will just be to make phone calls and do bills. Another day is laundry day, etc.

You've had some great advice from the others. Hang in there.

I heard a story about newlyweds who were both list-makers. At the end of the day he'd come home and mark a line thru everything he'd been able to accomplish. He noticed that everything on her list was ALWAYS marked off.

When asked, she explained, "I write tasks down as I complete them, just so I can cross them off!"

I think we're doing it wrong, girls!

Good idea Kitty and Twink! Why didn't someone tell me that sooner! lol

F2U I hope you don't stress too much! You don't want to make yourself sick. Do what you can and ASK for help! That is always my biggest problem, I hate to ask anyone for help.