was never any good at focussing on it, and it took me too long to read a few pages

plus i've wasted so many good stories just by reading less than half of them (I want to know what happens, but can't)

anyway I gave it up

it's my thing for november. no more reading. ever

[TishaBuv]

Does that include reading this?

[venusss]

So what you gonna do instead? Fo you realize by giving up reading you also sorta giving up your brain? And giving yourself more time for self sabbotage and other lovely things?

[Fuzzybear]

Reading is good for the brain... maybe try reading other stuff, not stories

A kids book of poems even

[Victoria'smom]

What about reading along with books on tape. or just auto books alone?

[otroo]

I used to be a massive power reader I could honestly polish of a 500-700 page book in one day. Over the years though it became harder and harder to concentrate on reading and like you I quit reading. I picked up my first real book the other day and I have been doing well on reading it. Try out short stories.

[ComfortablyNumb5]

This happens to me. I can't even remember what I read on the previous page so I just close the book and try again later. Sounds like ADHD but no, I don't have that. I just can't focus anymore. I'll be reading and thinking of something bad at the same time. I find I do this more when I'm not truly interested in the book. I did this a lot in grade school. I hated social studies so for the life of me I couldn't grasp what I was reading. I'd have to go back and re-read everything.

[Daonnachd]

As has been said, reading is good for the brain. Think of it as cognitive therapy that's got the potential for being interesting, depending on your own choices and preferences. I used to be a teacher, so it pains me to see you give it up.

Try a more active reading. Break your reading time into smaller chunks, but then give yourself time to predict what could come next, evaluate what's happened, stuff like that.

[JustJace2u]

I have always struggled with reading, but ever since my diagnosis I have tried to make a point to read more. My brain doesn't retain information well and I am constantly forgetting things, but I am trying at least.

[Nammu]

I now have glasses and can read normal size print but I find the large print much easier to read. Maybe try that?

[wiretwister]

there are times when I just can not read at all ... but when I do I often read the same one over and over ... the current book I am reading is about on it's 25 or so time ... and I still find new things every time I reread it .... I hate to say this out loud but leave a book in the bath room .... hey one page at a time is better than none ....

Sometimes I cannot read at all for long periods. It's better than giving up bathing.

[Wander]

I too find reading very difficult, esp when unwell. I take Ritalin and that helps a lot but when manic or mixed my concentration goes, I get really distracted by my thoughts and inpatient. Even reading long posts her is very difficult.

Do you have better reading abilities when stable? You could also try one page at time. Keeping our brains active is crucial in so many ways.