How can I get some real motivation to do my homework?

Question

I don't want answers like "just do it", I want real plans on how to overcome myself.

My mother died about 5-6 years ago, and I have been feeling sad lately about her death especially because I may be heading off to college next year (depending if I am ready), a separation from my family. A psychologist, who I have met with a few times said that I may be in a state of chronic depression (I think that is what he called it, well, it means long term depression). The symptoms don't really appear, but he said that I may exhibit the signs of not caring about my work, and then getting angry with myself to "make up for" not doing my work. Also, he said, that because my father had ADD/ADHD (whatever it was) I may also have the attention disorder. This truely devastated me and I am angry and refuse to take the medicine, believing the medicine demeans me WAY too much, I am not normal, and I really want to be normal, but I WANT TO FIGURE IT OUT MYSELF, not with some stupid medicine, well those are

my thoughts

Answer 1

listen to music while you do it.
unless ur studying


quiet time in that case

Answer 2

I'm surprised at how easily people are diagnosed with depression. You lost your mother and now you are about to have another huge life-altering experience, going off to college, feelings of anxiety and sorrow are absolutely normal and human. I'd be worried if you didn't have them. Unless a doctor diagnoses you with ADD don't listen to such suppositions. A psychologist isn't a doctor, I've honestly never been quite fond of them. Refusing medicine is admirable, it should only be used as an EXTREME last resort, the human is capable of healing itself. People are doped with medicine because most of the time they just want to make money off of us. What to do to motivate yourself and get back on track and feeling happy? oh boy.. honestly I don't thing there's a clean cut answer for that, growth is what worked for me. I don't know if you have much spiritual belief, but I can tell you that they sure do come in handy in situations like these. Meditating, using mind-over matter exercises, and indulging in hobbies that allow you to think positively. Positive thinking exercises are crucial here.

If your not that sort of person, then starting an exercise/staying fit plan is excellent for the mood and well-being over all. It's done wonders for me. It'll increase your energy and motivation and it'll distract you from unpleasant thoughts, and gets you feeling great. Just a few times a week, about 30 minutes to an hour is all it takes. Yoga, pilates, some cardio work etc.

Tips for homework concentration (funny cause I'm suppose to be studying now yet I'm on yahoo answers) take anything that can distract you far away from you. Or go in a room that's practically empty. Make sure that you're not hungry and not tired, and have a fair amount of energy. Turn studying into a game, you have to defeat it and overcome it. Make it fun. But the real key is learning to be a happy and motivated person first, by doing some of the few things stated earlier. If not, not all the homework tips in the world will help.

GOOD LUCK MATE!

Answer 3

I am so sorry for your loss.

My brother has ADHD. With the medicine, he is thriving. He's able to concentrate and make it through college courses. I understand your attitude about not wanting to take medication. I feel the same way, however I think when it comes to a medical condition like ADHD, by not taking the medicine you are hurting yourself. You will improve your life and happiness if you follow through. It's really not any different from heart or asthma medication.

As for the depression thing, I don't know. I am depressed myself but it seems not bad enough to take medicine. If I keep active then I seem to be able to manage it. If I don't then it's harder. You have to reach within yourself to find the motivation. But I think it all comes down to what kind of life you want to lead and what you want. Are you better off without taking the medicine or do you feel better when you do? Be honest with yourself. There is no shame in taking the medication. We all need help.

Answer 4

hmmmmmmmmmm

since your father AND you have it, its most probly genetic

I have Bipolar myself, so I kinda know what you mean about pills

for now , when or if you take pills, write down EXACTLY what the effects are

at some point you will be able to decide, with a doc probly, what the best choice is

I personally feel like if the pills make my life better than I take em, if they don't , I try to do without em.

It can be tricky to figure out if they help or hurt sometimes. You might lose your bright edge or be acting crazy or awake too much or depressed or asleep too much or whatever

you are an individual and in some ways only you can know best what works for you or doesn't

try to fine tune it with time, learn what works, and what doesn't

as for homework, somebody thought it was important for you to learn whatever it is, think of it like intellectual oatmeal, its a simple cheap food and good for breakfast, sometimes maybe all you have, when you want steak and eggs or something

as you learn more and get better at learning the stuff you have to, you will get more choice of what to study, eventually maybe they even pay you to learn what you want to

ALL the lucky marine Biologists had to sit through Organic Chem and Physics, maybe some of even liked it

Answer 5

What you should aim for here is to focus entirely on your homework, to the point where perhaps for a few years (the rest of the studying life), it becomes your life, and everything you are revolves around doing your absolute best...

Firstly, it will take your mind of the 'depression' and sadness you are currently going through!

Secondly, you will fill your life with something positive, something that can only stand to improve you and the overall quality of your life, certainly in the long run....

Thirdly, the pride you will gain from doing well and being recognised for your effort (even if you are the only one that really sees the fruits of your labour), will boost your self-esteem and give you the courage to do just about anything you choose - and succeed, because you know what it takes!

So knuckle down for a few years (nothing when compared to your whole life ahead!) and use this opportunity to FOCUS on something that will pay off in the long run! Prove to yourself that YOU CAN DO IT, BECAUSE YOU WANT TO, and you want to do it for you, not for anyone else!

If the doctor says you need the medicine, give it a go..... what have you really got to lose?

Answer 6

that sucks, I think i have add/adhd, my mom has something like it, sometimes I feel like I want to take meds to make me feel normal, but refuse too also. It does suck, get on a 4 wheeler and haul *** for a long distance, clear your head, or a motorbike, or something that can force normality back into your life. Thats my answer, speeding, it gives me adrenaline. But yeah... motivation for work must be hard to find, just know that im probobly just like you, my parents are on the line of death, my dad has hep C, and needs a liver transplant, my moms spine has no water left in it from a car accident, she'd rather die then become paralized. life is life.

Answer 7

I can't be there to hold you hand through this, but I can share some tips on coping with your disorder.

I have long term depression. I took the medications and they helped for a while but in the end their side effects were too much for me to handle.

One of the things I do to cope with it is I set a daily schedule to follow.
I try to get a little exercise every day and I surround myself by those who love and care about me. I keep myself occupied. I read and I spend time on here answering questions. One of the things you have to do-yes, you have to do it and there aren't any good alternatives-is to tell yourself this,
"I have to do these things on my daily schedule before I do anything else. If I have time left over I will allow myself time to reflect upon my life."

You can't deviate from your schedule. If you allot time for yourself to complete homework assignments, your schedule dictates what that time is to be used for. I understand the difficulty in buckling down and focusing on accomplishing the tasks we set for ourselves each day.

One other thing I need to let you know is that no matter what people tell you or what you might think otherwise, it helps greatly to set aside some time each day to talk about your problems. You need to find someone who cares about you to talk to. A therapist is all right, but family and friends love you and want to help you through the storms that come with depression.

Good luck

Answer 8

My best advice to you is keep this in mind: How good you do in school is gonna depend on how much money you make--everyone loves money to buy things; you are gonna be done with it eventually, so just do it- sorry lol; and 3 your mother would love to see you strive for your best. And believe me; she is watching you.

It's all about your mind set. I don't believe in ADD, it's a stupid way to characterize kids that just are lazy- not that you're lazy. Just think about your future and I'm sure you will get through your homework. You just gotta find that motivation buddy; it's there you just gotta find it.

Answer 9

make it a priority. ex: make a contest out of it. tell yourself, that as soon as your homework is over, you will win a prize like some ice cream or you get to watch tv or a dvd. Or even bigger, once your homework is finished, you go out to Mcdonalds or take a relaxinf hot bath. I sure hope things get better for you. GOD bless you. Stay prayerful and focussed.

Answer 10

I am sorry to hear about your mothers passing. Think about how she would want you to do in school? She would be proud of you.
Also, look at life in 10 years. If you dont do your hw then you will end up at a job bagging groceries. I am serious. Hoped i helped!

Answer 11

So as Dr. Phil says "How's that workin' for ya?"
It seems to me you have some possible answers already.
What is it that you expect to figure out for yourself?
The medicine is to help you to feel normal again.
If you don't try it, how will you know what it's like?