Lists lists lists
 

I have an unhealthy obsession with writing things down. Literally, EVERYTHING I have to do during the day gets rigorously written down and crossed off once it's done. I think this stems from my post-ECT days when my memory was shocking but it's becoming a real problem in itself. It stresses me to death. Even on my days 'off' I don't have a day 'off' because I have a huge list of stuff I need to do.

Any advice please?

Yes this sounds familiar. I've even been known to write something on my list once it's done, if I'd forgotten to write it down in the first place, purely so I can cross it off. So you could be worse!

I've tried to pull back a bit though. It was getting to the point where on days off I wouldn't get anything done as I'd spend most of the day writing down every possible variation of every part of the day's plans, and before long there was no day left. So I'd definitely say that recognising it can be an issue is a big step. Well done.

Thank you both.

Yes this is a problem. I have to write even the most mundane daily tasks down so I don't 'forget'. I mean, of course I wouldn't 'forget' to have a shower or brush my teeth or whatever but I still feel like I have to write it all down!

I'm thinking of trying to leave all but the essentials (like my appointments and work times) but even the thought of this scares me! Stupid, I know. Another option is to leave one day a week where I am simply not ALLOWED to write anything down and see how that goes. Carmen, you're right, there are some things which are essential but the rest is mostly not (although I still feel like it is). I'm frightened I'll forget something I promised someone, or setting my alarm...

Any ideas?

Thanks Carmen, yes that sounds like a good idea - I will start by not writing down one or two easy and simple things and take it from there.
Alarm is fine except I have to get up at different times on different days and it varies so I feel like I must remind myself to set it and for what time the night before.

I hate this trait I have.