• HOME
    • About Jess
    • CONTACT ME
      • Let’s Collab!
      • Privacy and Disclosure Policy
  • Blog
    • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Mindfulness
  • Mental Health Vault
  • Mental Health Shop
    • The Ultimate Anxiety Workbook
    • Digital Products
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Just Call Me Jess

Mood Disorders and Mindfulness

August 25, 2019

How To Be Productive With Depression

Needing some tips to be productive with depression?

How often has it happened that your counselor has told you that you have to “retrain your brain” or “combat the symptoms”. While this is all true counselors- including myself- do not always give details on what that means. 

When a depressive episode is severe, it can limit one to their bed, cause worthlessness, hopelessness, lack of hygiene and many more symptoms that limit productivity. Yet again no one is telling you how to be productive when you are depressed.


Related Post: How to help someone with depression

Allow me to alleviate some stress by informing you of some things you can do to ensure you are productive even in the face of depression. 

Tip #1 How To Be Productive With Depression: Be Proactive


Know what you need to do the next time you get depressed instead of reacting after the fact. Although you take your medication as you should, you show to therapy and see your doctor routinely, there is more. There will still be a time when you may have an episode and you need a relapse prevention plan for when or if it happens.

Have an active social support that knows your “red flags” and triggers to depression or low moods. There are many times my friends have noticed a change with me that I have not noticed myself. At times it can be small things to you such as not showering or cleaning your home that signal something is wrong to others.

There are many ways to plan your day so that you are not overwhelmed but still be productive with depression. I recommend a planner, dry erase calendar or dry erase board that keeps you on track throughout the day. Be sure to include self care activities such as exercising, reading, journaling and the like to ensure you are doing things each day specifically for your mental health.

Watch Jessica Gimeno’s video on How To Get stuff Done When You Are Depressed

text 3 tips to be productive with depression with notebook and watch and pens in bakground


Tip #2 How To Be Productive With Depression: First Things First

Set boundaries with yourself and prioritize to be most productive when depressed. Tell people “no” and limit access to yourself while you are in a vulnerable state. Although easier said than done, let your motivation be the success of the friendship or relationship.

The more you pour into others the less you have for yourself. Put yourself first by knowing which activities you absolutely need to do to remain productive while depressed. The best quote I have heard and used “If you can’t say no then your yes’s mean nothing”.

I know from day to day there are many task that need to be accomplished. However, you need to focus on what actually needs to be done in order to remain productive while depressed. Focus on assignments, hygiene and other task that are important and urgent.

If you have children these tips may help you! It can be difficult to put your mental health as a priority when you are also a parent, but it must be done. Cut yourself some slack and grant yourself some leniency. You will not be a bad mom if you have take out for dinner or watch television with your children instead of reading with them. You are giving yourself what you need, a break!

Tip #3 How To Be Productive With Depression: Do The Hard Stuff First

As you think of the task you must get done, tackle the hard activities first to ensure productivity. Of the task that need to be completed, identify which is the hardest, do that first! While depressed it can be difficult to tap into energy and motivation to get thing done.

Although not depressed, I too lack motivation, energy and do not want to get out of bed. This happens often when I am really anxious and feeling overwhelmed. If this happens to you these tips may help you out!

What I noticed helped my clients- and myself- is getting up knowing the activities that need to be done and knowing I do not have to accomplish it all. I give myself the grace I so easily give others. If someone comes into session and states that I was the only reason they have gotten out of be in weeks, I take it and affirm their ability to get out of bed. Yet, I would not give myself that same energy!

It is true that you need coping skills, therapy and medication. You also need a plan, boundaries, limited task and self care activities to manage your mental health and have stability in life.

What helps you when you need to be productive but are depressed?

Filed in: Mental Health • by justjess18 • 27 Comments

[jetpack-related-posts]

About justjess18

Comments

  1. Diane

    August 25, 2019 at 2:48 pm

    I had a hard time saying no at work, and would often find myself stressed and anxiety-ridden because of it. I wasn’t very confident so I felt like I had to do everything I could to get noticed. Over the years I allowed myself to be confident in my position and it helped me make better decisions over what needed my attention at work.

    Reply
    • justjess18

      August 27, 2019 at 2:13 am

      I used to be the same way! It is so rewarding to have the adequate boundaries in place

      Reply
  2. Molly @ Transatlantic Notes

    August 27, 2019 at 1:00 am

    I can hit bad lows and become very unmotivated and unproductive when I struggle with the anxiety I get so all of this resonates on some level.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • justjess18

      August 27, 2019 at 2:13 am

      Thats awesome you were able to relate! Hope it helps

      Reply
  3. Julie

    August 27, 2019 at 1:05 am

    First and second are great points, but I’d never guess #3! That’s an interesting approach. But I guess accomplishing the toughest task may provide the greatest confidence boost to a down day. Thanks for the post!

    Reply
    • justjess18

      August 27, 2019 at 2:12 am

      Thank you! So glad you had a take away!

      Reply
  4. Beth Gray

    August 27, 2019 at 3:46 pm

    Thank you so much – I love the “we forget to explain what we meant” and assumed you would know what we were talking about. And that’s so true for many situations of advice – it’s really easy you just need to … without ever explaining what it is or how to do it!

    Reply
  5. janice sisemore

    August 28, 2019 at 3:47 am

    I love the one Do the hsrd stuff fitst

    Reply
  6. Hailey Miranda

    August 29, 2019 at 10:35 pm

    Great post! These tips can really help people. As someone who has had depression being productive can be hard. But with your tips they can certainly succeed. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  7. Kimberlie

    August 30, 2019 at 12:52 pm

    This is such an important topic to address because so many people are depressed without realizing it. Those that do acknowledge their depression, see it as something that’s inescapable. It’s important to help empower people who experience depression.

    Reply
  8. Elizabeth Holly

    August 30, 2019 at 5:06 pm

    This is a great post. I don’t medicate for my depression but found this advice to be useful.
    Setting boundaries are so hard for me. This I need to work on.

    I find keeping a flexible schedule for my tasks and even alarms helps tremendously. When I have a depressive episode, I forget everything and then become anxious with how backed up I am. This helps me a lot.

    Reply
    • justjess18

      August 31, 2019 at 2:04 am

      That’s good! You have interventions in place to ensure you get things done

      Reply
  9. Sarah

    September 9, 2019 at 3:10 am

    My energy has been horrible after I struggled with depression, so thanks for the tips!

    Reply
    • justjess18

      September 9, 2019 at 11:24 am

      Hope they help!

      Reply
  10. Kayleigh Zara

    September 10, 2019 at 12:13 am

    This is a really great post with some really great tips that are so helpful, I struggle with depression so this was a great read x

    Kayleigh Zara 🌟 http://www.kayleighzaraa.com

    Reply
  11. Sarah

    September 10, 2019 at 1:46 am

    Great tips!! I especially love the one about doing the hard stuff first. Not only will it make the rest of the stuff seem that much easier, it’ll also help you feel more productive, confident, and proud of yourself!

    Reply
  12. Jenn

    September 10, 2019 at 8:59 pm

    It’s really hard for me to stay productive when depressed. I think maybe I can do things to put me in a better mood though when it does happen. Like making sure my room is clean. Because when im depressed and laying in bed, even when I do think of something I could be doing I look around and it just all becomes overwhelming for me. Thank you for this article though!

    Reply
    • justjess18

      September 11, 2019 at 1:31 am

      Thats important to know! That means you need to set more attainable goals for the day. Like brushing my teeth or bathing tonight.

      Reply
  13. Tamara | The Gutz Life

    September 13, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    Thanks sharing. I have been working on #1 a lot lately. Knowing a relapse can come at anytime I want to be prepared.
    I actually do the opposite of #3 and focus on the simplest tasks first and celebrate the small wins. Some days it is just getting out of bed long enough to brush my teeth or shower.

    Reply
  14. Jennifer Van Haitsma

    September 13, 2019 at 12:32 pm

    Setting boundaries is really important. Especially with people who might be holding you back!

    Reply
  15. Jessica Mathis

    September 21, 2019 at 5:22 pm

    I do the opposite of “hard stuff first”. When I’m depressed or just low mood/energy, I find doing easy, simple stuff helps to prevent that snowball effect. Things like picking up trash and just putting dishes in the dishwasher. It sounds so simple and easy! But it helps me not devolve into pure chaos and madness. Thanks for continuing to shed light on mental illness and how to cope! And I wish for your continued success in the blogging world <3

    Reply
  16. Jennifer Rock

    January 30, 2020 at 3:54 pm

    I’ve definitely been struggling with this lately. What works best for me is making a list and physically checking off each list (make sure you put “making a list” first on your list so you have accomplished something super quick). I build up momentum with each item. It also helps me to set a timer and say, “just be on your feet for 15 minutes” and often it turns into more.

    Reply
    • justjess18

      January 31, 2020 at 12:31 pm

      That’s awesome that you have developed and implemented use of an excellent coping skills!

      Reply
  17. tg

    May 29, 2020 at 3:19 am

    I feel bad for my husband because he has to put up with my depression what I go through he goes through with all my breakdowns I will try what you wrote hope it helps.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The Importance of Self Care In College - MyNeedToLive says:
    September 15, 2019 at 4:21 pm

    […] not making self care a priority, you will find that you have an increase of stress, irritability, depressive episode or anxiety (or both). By taking a break, no matter how long, you will allow your mind, body […]

    Reply
  2. Helping Someone With Depression - Just Call Me Jess says:
    July 22, 2020 at 6:18 pm

    […] of them have “tried everything to get better” but cannot manage to get out of bed or be productive due to depression making them a prisoner in their own home. They want to “be happier” […]

    Reply
  3. 5 Easy Ways To Support Someone with Depression - Just Call Me Jess says:
    July 22, 2020 at 7:37 pm

    […] Related Post: How To Be Productive With Depression […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

JESS

JustcallmeJess

As a licensed social worker working in an adult community mental health center in the South, Jess seeks to spread awareness and educate those who may otherwise never gain mental health information.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Anxiety Workbook

Categories

FOLLOW@ JustcallmeJess_blog

🛑NEW POST🛑 You wake and the first thing you 🛑NEW POST🛑

You wake and the first thing you do is? If you are like many others (including me) you have some bad morning habits that you need to quit in order to start your day on the right foot.

When you quit these habits you will notice an improvement in performance, productivity and your mental health!

Link in bio 💕

#mentalhealth #morningroutine #morningvibes #badhabits #goodhabits #blogger #blackblogger #blogging #bloglife #bloggerlifestyle
How's 2021 been for you so far? How's 2021 been for you so far?
2021 is finally here.

New year New you 🙅🏾‍♀️

How about New Year New Mindset! 

We are not just talking this year, we are doing this year.

2020 gave us the opportunity to reflect and hone in on things we needed to do to improve our mental health. 

2021 is all about putting those lessons into action! 

Let's all hold one another accountable. What are you doing this month to ensure your mental health is better at the end of this year than it was last year. 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
I'm loving this girl right here!

She is growing 📈

She is blossoming 🌞

She is building life for her future 👀

She is me and I am she. And I'm loving it.

2021 better be ready for this dynamic energy I am coming through with‼️
🔴New Post Alert🔴 60 AMAZING MENTAL HEALTH J 🔴New Post Alert🔴

60 AMAZING MENTAL HEALTH JOURNALING PROMPTS

"Writing out your feelings and emotions helps to manage your mental health and improves your ability to be mindful."

*link in bio*

#journalinspiration
#journals
#journalingcommunity
#bulletjournal #mentalhealthaccount #instamood #mindfulnesss #relaxation
Its #tuesdayinspiration and I am here for the posi Its #tuesdayinspiration and I am here for the positive vibes‼️

I am setting new habits

I am developing my mindset

I am radiating positivity because I want to Manifest all good in 2021💕

What are you focusing on? How are you improving you?

Copyright © 2021 · Theme by Blog Pixie

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy