Poor concentration

Jun 20, 2020 at 06:02 AM

I am having a difficult time distracting myself from my depressive thoughts. No matter what I do, I cannot concentrate on anything for more than a few seconds. So all I have been doing is laying down and staring at the ceiling.

How do you concentrate on distractions when you're depressed?

bpforever1 · Jun 20, 2020 at 07:22 AM

I was not able to focus on my work tonight. So, I just postponed my work until tomorrow. I am sleeping and relaxing tonight and hope that a good night's rest will be the cure.

BastetsMuse · Jun 20, 2020 at 08:21 AM

I try to get good nutrition and sleep when I am in a distractible mood, which I am dealing with right now. I have friends who will spend time with me and help me get through it. But sometimes it's necessary to be alone and just lie still and stare at the ceiling.

bpcyclist · Jun 20, 2020 at 11:57 AM

This kind of distractedness is just part of depression for me, at least. Try to be kind to yourself.

I have found over the decades that practicing acceptance during my depression offers me comfort. Not judging myself so harshly or at all during these times does help relieve some of the pain. I cm able to do that fairly well these days. Have you guys ever tried this?

Fuzzybear · Jun 20, 2020 at 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpcyclist

This kind of distractedness is just part of depression for me, at least. Try to be kind to yourself.

I have found over the decades that practicing acceptance during my depression offers me comfort. Not judging myself so harshly or at all during these times does help relieve some of the pain. I cm able to do that fairly well these days. Have you guys ever tried this?

Sending respect to all

Good post,

Wild Coyote · Jun 21, 2020 at 09:35 AM

Hey Blue,

I'm hoping you'll start feeling better with each passing day. I realize this will take time.

Sometimes when I'm feeling the way you describe, I do find guided meditations helpful. I use ear buds and close my eyes, hoping to focus. Sometimes, my attention wanders. When I catch it, I redirect it, which is good practice for me.

I often choose guided meditations on the topic of self-acceptance if/when feeling a bit down on myself. Other topics are great, too.
One of my favorite practitioners offering guided meditations is Tara Brach. https://www.tarabrach.com/guided-meditations/

I realize you deal with some concentration issues at baseline and you utilize a stimulant med which helps with this challenge.

Any chance the current difficulty with concentration might be a Trileptal side effect?
In my experience, most meds in that drug class cause some "spaciness." Just my experience.

I hope you experience some relief soon.

Love ya!

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Anonymous35014 Guest Posts: n/a	Jun 20, 2020 at 06:02 AM #1 I am having a difficult time distracting myself from my depressive thoughts. No matter what I do, I cannot concentrate on anything for more than a few seconds. So all I have been doing is laying down and staring at the ceiling. How do you concentrate on distractions when you're depressed?
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bpforever1 Magnate Member Since Aug 2017 Location: earth Posts: 2,063 7 1,598 hugs given	Jun 20, 2020 at 07:22 AM #2 I was not able to focus on my work tonight. So, I just postponed my work until tomorrow. I am sleeping and relaxing tonight and hope that a good night's rest will be the cure.
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BastetsMuse Grand Member Member Since Jan 2015 Location: Carson City Posts: 823 9 129 hugs given	Jun 20, 2020 at 08:21 AM #3 I try to get good nutrition and sleep when I am in a distractible mood, which I am dealing with right now. I have friends who will spend time with me and help me get through it. But sometimes it's necessary to be alone and just lie still and stare at the ceiling.
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