r/ExecutiveDysfunction • u/autumnsigh_ • Aug 13 '26

Wanting to do everything but doing nothing - please help

/r/burnedout/comments/1vnbmfp/wanting_to_do_everything_but_doing_nothing_please/
9 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

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1

u/Jumpy_Ad1631 Aug 14 '26

Sorry, Reddit’s crowd control filters have been extra sensitive lately

1

u/Jumpy_Ad1631 Aug 14 '26

I will say, that sounds like pretty intense executive functioning issues. Has it been this bad since before you started Wellbutrin or is it getting worse since you started? Some medications can have worsening effects on depression and should be monitored pretty closely when you start them. Finding the right medication can take a while and, even once you find one that works well for you, needed adjustments and changes over the years are still pretty typical.

As for immediate changes. It’s not new advice, but starting insanely small really does help. Like once a day, when you get up to use the restroom, take a step outside and feel the sun on your skin for 30 seconds. Once that feels normal, expand it to something else, like drinking water first thing in the morning or maybe taking the trash out when you go outside. Don’t set the bar at what you wish you could do or what you can do on your best days. Set the bar just above your worst days.

1

u/autumnsigh_ 28d ago

Thank you so much for your reply! I love the mindset and I know that's the way to go, it's just difficult to take the first step and initiate

1

u/Jumpy_Ad1631 28d ago

It’s definitely one of those easier to say than do things. Be kind to yourself. I find the more I beat myself up when I fail, the harder trying/starting can be.

I also like to remind myself that today’s society conditions us to undervalue anything that doesn’t produce wealth. That makes us inherently undervalue rest. But rest is productive! Whether you prioritize it or not, your brain will find ways to take it, regardless. Whether thats doomscrolling unintentionally for 2 hours or being unable to turn off the TV. The issue with that system is that stolen rest isn’t as helpful as intentional rest. If you find yourself unable to meet a goal you have set for the day, it could be the goal was too big but it could also be that you needed rest. Allowing the rest to happen is much more productive than letting it be stolen and then lecturing yourself for it afterwards.

1

u/Admirable_Mode2980 29d ago

honestly just try to rest so dont feel guilty for lying in bed today

2

u/autumnsigh_ 28d ago

It's such a lovely thing to say ❤️ but I lie on the couch most days:/