Concentration Problems

Does anyone have any tips on dealing with concentration issues? This past year I've had a horrible time staying concentrated on anything for longer than a minute or two. For example, I used to love art, now I can't stand it because it frustrates me that I can't focus long enough to do anything.

I'm not sure if I have an answer for you. My inability to concentrate comes and goes with my anxiety and depression. At the moment, I'm feeling great and am able to read! I'm reading my third book right now.

Are you depressed or anxious? Be patient with yourself.

Thanks for the reply I'm not depressed or anxious. Actually I'm hypomanic, that could just be making the concentrating thing worse now that I think about it since my mind is racing so fast, making it difficult to think clearly

Hmm. I'm also slightly hypomania at the moment and when I'm not busy, my concentration is pretty good. Though I cannot focus on uninteresting things like television very easily.

Oddly I do get a lot done, but I have to be moving doing something, I can't sit there and have the patience to draw or watch tv, I have to be up cleaning, organizing, walking around, working out. Just anything where I'm not sitting still.

Hey bluebird-when I'm wired and hypomanic and can't shut down my brain I find that taking a benzo and lying down in a dark room help slow things down a bit! Best of luck!

I think that i remember you saying that you have an ED (apologies if i am not correct)? That was the cause of my inability to focus and concentrate.
It's only when i stopped restricting/purging that i was able to start focussing on stuff.

Other than that, i'd say to have patience with yourself. (((HUGS))).

@Vans1974- I'm already on Klonopin .25mg 3 times a day, but I will try laying in a dark room, and maybe some relaxation techniques

@HealingTimes: I don't have an eating disorder, but glad you were able to stop restricting/purging though I will try to be more patient with myself with the focusing thing

Maybe I can have myself do a task for 10-15 minutes at a time once or twice a day to build up better concentration. I think it's just bad in general but the hypomania exasperates it which is why I'm noticing it more now. I 'll try to work on things, I appreciate the replies everyone

You may not want to hear this but for me yoga helps A LOT. It teaches you to watch your breathing and also to be inside your body, as they say.

For a couple years there I couldn't concentrate enough to read but this year I've read more than 20 books so ya! I recommend it.

Thanks for the reply, I'll definitely look into it!