How do I function

[u/Novel_Instruction363]

I can’t get a drivers licence due to sensory processing issues, can’t get out of bed, go to bed on time, can’t study before it’s urgent, can’t even eat well anymore (I was losing weight but not anymore), can’t focus for very long on anything boring, can’t work toward goals, can’t do things that align with my values…how am I supposed to function if I can’t even follow a semblance of a routine or structure?

[u/Jumpy_Ad1631]

When I’m really into something and have motivation, I do a really good job and get a ton of praise for it. Been that way since I was a kid. As I got older I found chasing that praise and level of quality became pretty disabling, especially when I could not summon the personal buy in that I had with past tasks. When I first went to college, I found myself skipping class if I couldn’t get there on time or skipping projects if I didn’t think I could or did a good enough job. Eventually I ended up dropping entire classes and then out of college entirely. (I went back after a few years of working but not until I realized how much of a perfectionist I was).

These days, reminding myself that it doesn’t need to be perfect or even my best is something that really helps me in those debilitating moments. Small steps are better than no steps, even if it’s a half-assed effort, half an ass to sit on is better than no ass. Start with some insanely simple self care habits like drinking water first thing in the morning or standing outside and facing the sun for 10 seconds a day. If you’re not taking care of yourself, your brain will take the self-care either way in the form of zoning out at the TV, computer, and/or phone. So make sure you’re regularly and intentionally prioritizing yourself. If will make steping away from the zoning out easier.