[littlemssunshine]

So, one of the biggest issues that I still struggle with is trying to focus, in any situation. I get super distracted easily, and it makes doing schoolwork + studying a huge, huge, huge challenge. I want to do well and I know that I can, but it gets so frustrating because every time I sit down to start something, I just... can't. I get overwhelmed, distract myself with TV or music, waste a couple hours, try to come back to the project, and end up anxious again.

I think part of it is because I know that I can do the assignment but I want it to be AMAZING. Other times, I don't feel well-prepared and then that frustrates me. Even when I have studied in groups it's a HUGE problem for me. Everyone (even my friends that do suffer from ADD) is working hard and concentrating, and my mind is all over the place. I look down at my notes, glance up at them, space around the room, realize what I'm doing, look down again, and never really get in the zone. It takes FOREVER to get what I need to done, and when I finally accomplish something (like making notecards for one chapter), I had to take a gazillion breaks.

I have talked about it with my T, and during our last session, I was so frustrated with myself because it feels like I am sabotaging myself and my goals when I end up procrastinating. It's not something that I want, but it happens over and OVER again. I feel like I keep hitting rock-bottom and getting upset when I can't focus, but then, I miraculously pull it together at the last second, do great on the assignment, and then let myself slip back into old habits without finding a way to correct it. Even if I totally botch up an assignment due to the habits and/or have an emotional breakdown in the process, I still can't focus later on.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Classes are going to start up this week, and I want to find a way to focus NOW. This is my major stumbling block in everything I do, and I really want to fix it. I don't know if my behaviors and patterns are indicative of ADHD or if the focusing problem just stems from my generalized anxiety and major depression.

Thank you SO much for reading and helping. This means so much to me. You have no idea.

[Miswimmy1]

I think it could be both. What u are describing sounds exactly like me before I was diagnosed with both anxiety and ADD. The worrying and wanting it to be amazing sounds like anxiety. But the lack of focus, the getting overhelmed and ending up not doing it at all sounds like ADD. I would talk to your t about it and maybe she can do a few tests. If not to diagnose u, then to rule it out. Because I know that after I was diagnosed, I took an ADD med for the 1st time and it was amazing to finally be able to focus and get something done for once. It was rly an amazing experience. Also ADD and anxiety are often comorbid.

[littlemssunshine]

Thank you so much for responding, love! I let out a giant sigh of relief after I read your post. I don't want to be on medication if it's not ADD and if it is actually something I can manage, but I honestly feel like I have tried over and over to make myself focus and I just end up upset at myself and in tears. I just want to be able to concentrate and be more productive. Gosh.

I will email my therapist and schedule another session, and update you. Thank you so much for listening, though. I so appreciate it.

[BlueInanna]

Sounds like me too the add and anxiety really fuel each other for me. If you want to avoid meds, I usually take meds, but you can try some yoga when you feel so anxious and unfocused. I'll do about 10 minutes, like some sun salutations variations, seems to really be helping me.

Totally... Everything you are saying about school was me. I could be a straight "A" student or a "C" student. "Try harder", everyone would say. "Why do you wait until the last minute to do things???"

My ADD was discovered because of Anxiety attacks had gotten so bad that I knew something was very wrong. My GP said I scored a bit high on the BP test and sent me to a psych (my first ever) and my ADD diagnosis came pretty fast.

[littlemssunshine]

Oh my gosh, wow. Thank you guys so much. I honestly felt so alone and I thought my T was getting frustrated that we're going in circles when I keep having anxiety/procrastinating/struggling to focus. I just felt like something was wrong, but I felt alone, like maybe I am not doing enough to concentrate.

I am definitely going to try integrating yoga and see how that goes. Thanks so much, BlueInanna.

That sounds exactly like me YYZadd. Exactly. Everyone asks me why I keep doing this, but I feel like I can't get unstuck. Even when I finally force myself to sit down and work, my brain is everywhere. The general anxiety is improving, but this just isn't.

I think I am going to schedule an appointment with her sooner than the one I booked and talk it out with her. I felt so alone before honestly, and I feel so much better. It's reassuring to know that this can get better, because it has felt so long like this is a permanent struggle.

I can't thank you all enough. I will keep you update for sure.

[joanna2007]

If you treat your depression and anxiety and get it under control and still have symptoms of lack of focus and concentration then it might be ADHD. Or, you may have all three...I do. I know how you feel. It is very frustrating. Good luck.