As Backes describes it, the Impossible Task can be anything in your life.

I always call it walking through mud.

Everything just seems too hard.

However, non-depressed people do not know much about this or understand it.

And its especially hard when you dont fully understand it yourself.

But they all recognize the phenomenon.

This involves negative thoughts about yourself, the world around you, and the future.

She also sees it in people who feel mentally cloudy and have trouble making decisions.

If your parents didnt have the best responses to stress, you might fall into the same patterns.

What to Do When a Task Is Impossible

First, have some compassion for yourself.

Hey, thats a start.

you could also focus on things that you are able to do.

Not every task is impossible.

So, set a realistic goal: Ill do the laundry and put some dishes away.

Be aware of unhelpful thoughts like, Youre worthless.

or Whats the point?

So theres no need to beat yourself up about failing to do the Impossible Task.

It is crucial to understand that The Impossible Task is not some personal failing, says Fisher.

Its not weakness; and its not nonsensical.

Seeking help might mean talk therapy, with or without medication such as SSRIs.

Trust a professional to help you figure out whats most appropriate for you.

You may not be depressed, but perhaps you have another mental health condition.

Again, a pro will be in the best position to help you figure that out.

(But if youre curious about the symptoms of clinical depression,theyre here.

Getting help might be its own Impossible Task.

Take a look atthese options for finding help when youre not sure you’re free to afford it.

They may not realize what kind of help you need, and its possible youve been avoiding telling them.

Cook says she had a recent client who faced Impossible Tasks and whose family didnt understand.

Check in on your friends who might be struggling, and ask them what their Impossible Tasks are.

It was an amazing gift,she says.

Perhaps you’re able to provide that gift for someone in your life.