Cannot concentrate anymore!

I have serious problems concentrating now. I can't seem to read or do anything for extended periods of time. The minute I read something, my mind wanders off. What can I do? I Tried a therapy that people with ADD use but I still can't read! Even if I'm completely isolated, no sounds, no distractions.. I can't get the words in my head! I used to be really good at reading, now I can't even read a sentence. Should I be thinking about medication?

IWantToRecover wrote:I have serious problems concentrating now. I can't seem to read or do anything for extended periods of time. The minute I read something, my mind wanders off. What can I do? I Tried a therapy that people with ADD use but I still can't read! Even if I'm completely isolated, no sounds, no distractions.. I can't get the words in my head! I used to be really good at reading, now I can't even read a sentence. Should I be thinking about medication?

I find my concentration goes off at both extremes of mood so I think the first thing to do would be to see your Dr about whether your mood is off at all - and whether anything needs to be done about this. I think that would be a good starting point.

Cracked

I understand this. I can not read books anymore, or watch TV and lose interest too quick because I can't concentrate. I know that certain mood stabilizers have helped me in the past with concentration. I'd talk to the Doc about, something can be done.

I agree with the others, you should talk to your doc about this. When that happens to me it's because I'm flying waaaay too high. Reading, watching TV, talking with others... I can't concentrate more than a few seconds, my imagination and thoughts just run wild. Does it happen to you always or do you think it's related to your mood?

Problems with concentration can be from many different things, so I'll echo what the others have said here and suggest you talk to your doctor about it.

My concentration can become sharper or duller during episodes and the deciding factor(s) are the events going on in my life at the time. It usually boils down to stress. In the past some medications had a negative impact on my cognitive functions.

I recently learned about, and am trying a new skill that perhaps you may also find helpful. I have set a vibrating alarm on my phone to go off at a regular interval (I chose every 30 minutes, but you could choose as often as every 10 minutes) I have this alarm go off as a tactile reminder to do something. For me, right now I am doing this to remind me to take a deep breath. In regards to your conversation you could have this go off as a way to remind you to bring your mind back to the task you are doing and to practice mindfulness. Perhaps that will be helpful?