I tried learning to code two years ago and quit. I’ve been learning HTML and CSS for a month now. I was on track to learn JavaScript for the next month but I am struggling with motivation and my mental illness is making me have thoughts “I won’t be able to do this” and “will I even enjoy this job” and I want to take a short cut and get a construction job so I can move out. I’d be miserable working construction.
I come here for help to tell me I can do it, to stick to it, and that it will be worth. And anything else you can tell me to help me. Please help. Thank you.
Go at your own pace, keep learning, keep getting up and trying. Most people have similar thoughts of fear–both of failure and success. I sure do, every morning.
I think if we focus on the next hour, and make that a habit, eventually we’ll reach our goals!
You can do it. As @CactusWren2020 said we all have those thoughts. I struggle with them too as well as those thoughts that make me feel like I’m not as good as other developers. But the more I practice and complete projects and tasks I gain the confidence, and thereby motivation, to continue.
Don’t give up. Keep practicing and show your mind and thoughts who’s boss. You’ve got this!
We are here for you to answer your questions and give you feedback on your projects.
This said, none of us are trained mental health professionals, so please also be sure to get support from those people as well.
There is nothing wrong with getting a non-developer job in the interim while you’re learning these new skills. It can take years to successfully transition into tech, and there are a lot of factors outside of just programming skills, such as your network, your reputation, your local job market, and luck.
So in the meantime, please do everything you need to do to sustain yourself and your family. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
You can do it. You’ll be fine. I often feel demotivated and I struggle with depression and panic attacks. But I was told that if I wanted it enough, I could do anything. Now, I can play the piano, write books, draw fairly well, sing really well, and code!
Just take everything slowly and one step at a time. And if you ever feel you need someone to talk to, I’m here.
Keep at it. Our dad growing up both my older brother and I are certain he had/has a mental illness while/after being on the police department. We’re both capable of forgiving others and even treating others fairly…but our dad never admits if/when he is in the wrong. We both enjoy technology because of how he was growing up. We both can motivate ourselves but are dad is not only violent but lacks the ability to motivate his own family members, instead doing anything and everything to make himself look terrific while tearing everyone around him verbally apart. Hell years ago I even went to him asking for help…but he told me what you deal with is what I am, which does not make sense, especially how my brother and I carry ourselves out in public versus our dad. Keep at it though and if needed, go out in nature while reading a book on the subjects.
I’d really like to know why you wanted to learn to code in the first place.
I know nothing about Schizophrenia but I think it’s likely that you have a lot of imagination. This could totally help you with coding.
Are you trying to learn to code because it would offer you better job perspectives/somethingSimilar or do you see something in coding itsself that could keep you motivated? Do you enjoy solving puzzles for example?
