Problems with concentration?

[Fran86]

I've noticed recently that my attention span has decreased dramatically. When I read a book I miss lots of relevant information and end up confused. This is quite distressing as I love reading. I *think* difficulty concentrating can be linked to depression. Has anyone experienced this? Or has any tips of how to improve it?
Thanks, as always xx

[Captainshiny]

Hello

Its good to know you really like reading. Reading's good. I don't read :c find it very boring :p

I have been diagnosed with "low moods" and being very close to depression diagnosis, and I have noticed that my concentration spans are a lot less than they use to be, when my moods were a lot better. I use to be able to complete coursework assignments 30-60mins, now takes more or less double that.

Depression can also have an affect on sleep, so if you don't get adequate sleep that may also be a culprit for low concentration levels.

Personally, to help increase my concentration levels, I tend to listed to music, go to my own world, zone out. And its kind of a "done before you know it" feeling.

Hope I was of help. If you need anything, you can always PM me.

[Wonderland.]

I have experienced this so you are not alone, in experiencing this.

It helps me to read in short bursts, rather than reading loads at once.

[crazykat]

Depression can definitely be linked to having trouble concentrating. I find reading in short amounts can be helpful. Also take breaks between what your reading. Sometimes going for a short walk can help too.

[Snow White.]

Happens to me alp the time when I am depressed. Even posts on here can be too long for me sometimes. I read over what I am reading if possible and also try and read in a non distracting environment.

[LegoGirl]

I found changing my medication helping my inability to concentrate. Some medications are better than others for concentration.

[Ballerina123]

Some medications cause difficulty concentrating especially anti psychotic meds. X

[Fran86]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I've been on my medication for 2+ years so I'm not sure that is the problem (although I have recently decreased and then increased back to original dose). I do find most things difficult at the moment, I struggled at work before I got signed off and it's so distressing not to be able to read even easy books. I like the idea of using music and reading in a distraction-free environment, so thank you for those suggestions. I'm just terrified that my concentration span is gone for good :( x

[Snow White.]

Hi Fran,
I study and work in an area that looks at the way our brain is functioning, and how that can be affected by things like mental illness, drug use, brain injury etc. I wanted to get that out there so you'd know that what I'm saying isn't just something I've experienced but something I know from my research and study.

Your concentration isn't gone for good.

Unless you've had a brain injury it is very unlikely you have completely lost your ability to concentrate. How long have you been struggling with this for? And when did you change your medication dose? Also I know you're going on a holiday and that creates increased stress which also affects concentration.

In fact here's a short list of things that can reduce concentration. See if you experience any of these that may be contributing right now. Note they are not permanent states - just like your lack of concentration isn't permanent either.

- fatigue/tiredness
- anxiety
- distraction
- depression
- stress
- medications
- generally being preoccupied with thoughts (like in anxiety)

If your brain is trying to cope with a lot and process a lot, concentration can unfortunately go very quickly because it doesn't have the resources to keep it up. But it's such a basic skill that it can come back, too.

Maybe try the quiet environment and reading something small like a magazine or newspaper to build your confidence up and see where it is at.

With time and some strategies as well you can get better x

[Snow White.]

http://m.everydayhealth.com/health-report/major-depression/depression-memory-loss-and-concentration

There are some good tips here, scroll down and look for depression and concentration.

[Morpheus]

I dont really have advice on how to cure it. I suffer from it at times also. However in regards of reading, when i have problems concentrating i read comic books and graphic novels. Not as much text as in a regular book and pictures to help you understand if you dont catch everything by reading. I find it helpful as i dont stop reading completely and i love reading as well. I have a passion for comics and graphic novels though and i know its not for everyone, but maybe give it a try if you want to. They are in all genres. Its not only superheroes etc.

Pm me if you are interested in knowing more or looking for something specific but dont know where to start :) i hope you feel better soon and that your concentration returns.

Just a bit of hope, i wasnt able to read regular books for almost two years because i had the same problem. The past month and a half i have started again though and have no problems. I read two huge books in less than two months.

[Snow White.]

Anna your posts lately about how well you're doing are so encouraging. Thank you for sharing, it was helpful for me to read too, as I'm trying to get through some novels.

[Fran86]

Thank you so much for your replies. Snow White, what you say is incredibly reassuring. I can tick all of those things on the list so that explains why it's bad at the moment. It just seems to have happened quite suddenly, which is why I'm scared as to what has gone wrong. I'll look at that link now.
Thanks Morpheus, that's good to know you have experienced concentration problems and it has improved x

[Snow White.]

Ooohh I like the idea of writing the thoughts/things to do out Carmen! That's a tip I'm going to use I bet it frees up my head for other things. Thanks!

[Fran86]

That has actually worked for me in the past. When work was extremely bad I couldn't sleep and lay awake for hours worrying. I started writing everything in a notebook that was worrying me - sort of like emptying my head. Did help back then x