Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

executive dysfunction is ruining my life

User Profile: peaceandblessings
peaceandblessings March 18th, 2023

hey all, hope you're having a good day. i could really use support and advice.

i have so much trouble starting and completing things. even when i try out every trick in the book, from todo lists, to breaking down tasks, to using methods like doing something for just five minutes and then taking a break, nothing sticks. it doesn't change the way i feel when i'm about to get on the roller coaster that is starting my day, or starting the productive portion of the day. would this be considered anxiety related? i feel a lot of fear and tension when it comes to literally everything, so i think this is executive dysfunction. i never feel motivated or excited to start something, i just feel a lot of fear and dread. you know when you're in a huge line to go on a big roller coaster and you feel kind of scared but pumped and excited once you enter the line, and as you get closer to getting on the ride, the dread starts to build? well for me, as soon as i see that it's my turn to get on, i turn around and leave. that's the exact scenario my brain goes through but with any kind of work. whether it's something simple like writing in my planner, or starting an assignment that's already overdue, or making dinner, i feel really scared. i think i'm just somehow convinced that any possibility of it going well is not going to happen for me so my brain makes me feel like it's not even worth it to start. as soon as i attempt to begin something, i already feel dread and fear and it doesn't even make it enjoyable anymore. this is ruining EVERYTHING. i really want to fix this and feel some kind of progress already. this has been affecting me for a very long time.

2
User Profile: peaceandblessings
peaceandblessings OP March 18th, 2023

i should also note i'm so indecisive, but lately it's been a little more extreme, and i'm not really scared of commitment, if anything, i like commitment. i like the comfort in a commitment. but i'm scared of committing to the wrong thing, or to something that i later find out i should've avoided the whole time. but i guess thats ironic bc i am committed to things that aren't really good for me. the duality of man, i suppose.

User Profile: jackjackjac
jackjackjac March 18th, 2023

@peaceandblessings One approach that may be helpful is to seek support from a mental health professional who can provide you with personalized strategies and tools to manage your anxiety and executive functioning challenges.