[helloiamjim]

Before I went on all of my meds, I was an avid reader, sometimes reading several books at once. Now I do well to get through one book a month. And when I do read, I don't remember what I read. It's as if I had never read it in the first place.

I started highlighting passages I really like and really think about them as I highlight. This hasn't helped unfortunately.

Troubled readers, what do you do?

[tigerlily84]

I too was an avid reader before depression. I can't get through any books now at all now that I'm on meds. But maybe physically writing out the passages and/or what you like about them might help.

[Breaking Dawn]

I can relate to both of you very much!! One of the things that I love so very much (it's emotionally painful for me to say & feel this) is reading, feeling & seeing what the words are saying; and LEARNING!!! God bless you for expressing yourself about this!!

[Fuzzybear]

Highlighting parts that are relevant does help me when I do that (but usually I don't want to mess up the book (mess it up in my mind) by doing this.

Something that might help is returning to particularly interesting sections again the same day, or the next day, maybe before bed?

[helloiamjim]

Originally Posted by tigerlily84

I too was an avid reader before depression. I can't get through any books now at all now that I'm on meds. But maybe physically writing out the passages and/or what you like about them might help.

That's a good idea. I could then write about the passage and that might help, too.

[helloiamjim]

Originally Posted by Fuzzybear

Highlighting parts that are relevant does help me when I do that (but usually I don't want to mess up the book (mess it up in my mind) by doing this.

Something that might help is returning to particularly interesting sections again the same day, or the next day, maybe before bed?

Thank you, Fuzzybear. Rereading the sections several times might help. I'm going to try that.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by helloiamjim

Thank you, Fuzzybear. Rereading the sections several times might help. I'm going to try that.

Thinking of you, I hope it's helping

[WastingAsparagus]

Just an idea that you're free to discard, but have you tried audiobooks ever? Sometimes you can get decent audiobooks at libraries. It definitely helps me focus sometimes (other times I am partial to reading an actual book). Or maybe turn on some gentle music with no lyrics while you're trying to read a physical book.

[MickeyCheeky]

So Sorry that your depression has affected your own reading. i agree with ALL the advice from the other wise and wonderful posters. i'd only add to take things one step at the time and perhaps start from simpler or shorter books, then going up from there. This is probably really obvious but i just wanted to point that one. Sorry! Sending many Safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @helloiamjim, your Family, your Friends and ALL of your Loved Ones! Keep fighting and keep rocking NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, OK?!