[leomama]

Has anybody noticed since their diagnosis that their ability to concentrate has lessened? I first got diagnosed because of a learning disability so to be honest I don't know how long this has been a problem, it just really seems to be affecting my life today. (I will be getting help with this next month.)

leomama, yes, the emotional buildup of trauma in the subconcious weighs down the ability to concentrate. tc

[leomama]

Thank you, that's what I thought. Last time I tried to work on my resume at the employment center I had a really hard time concentrating and I realized I needed to get extra help. There was a man who reminded me of my ex talking loudly on the phone in the room and when I put on my music with my earbuds I was told my music was too loud. When I pointed out the fact the man was too loud I was told he was being reasonable so I realized I needed to go somewhere else to work on my resume.

[Open Eyes]

Yes, this is a challenge with PTSD. I get overwhelmed myself if I am trying to deal with too many things all at once, I can't seem to concentrate. I get into hyper aware and fight/flight too quickly. I can feel the chemical build up in my mind that gets me overwhelmed and I struggle where I used to have a lot more patience and control.

You are more sensitive now and that does make it harder to concentrate, you are not alone with that.

[leomama]

Thank you open eyes. That environment was not right for me, which is a problem, but I know another place I can get help, so it's ok. The real problem is when it affects my ability to concentrate at home because like you I get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things I want to do and then I start experiencing resentment at the childhood neglect that was the foundation of my PTSD in the first place. It's not a very comfortable place to be. Sometimes i resent the sheer amount of work it takes to take care of myself, which is crazy, I know.

[PianogirlPlays]

Oh my, it is a lot to try to take care of yourself but the alternative is to fall down a hole. I work so hard each morning to get myself set in the right direction but the battles inside seem to multiply during the day. But...you can not give up.

[leomama]

I think right now I'm struggling with the pain my relationship caused me, and under that is the pain my mother caused me. Ouch. Time to take my supplements and exercise.

i've got the attention span of a walnut on a good day.

[leomama]

I've got a good attention span but when there are distractions in my environment I can't focus.

[Open Eyes]

Originally Posted by leomama

Thank you open eyes. That environment was not right for me, which is a problem, but I know another place I can get help, so it's ok. The real problem is when it affects my ability to concentrate at home because like you I get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things I want to do and then I start experiencing resentment at the childhood neglect that was the foundation of my PTSD in the first place. It's not a very comfortable place to be. Sometimes i resent the sheer amount of work it takes to take care of myself, which is crazy, I know.

Yes, it takes time to figure PTSD out. I was so confused by it for quite a while. I agree, others do not understand the amount of work it can take to do the self care when struggling with PTSD. I always remind others who are stuggling to be really patient with self, it really takes time to work through the PTSD and the triggers it can present that come as such a surprise and can be so confusing.

[leomama]

Thanks Open Eyes, I can deal with it on a psychological level and its challenging on a career level.

[avlady]

i hate distractions too. too much noise really gets to me. if you can listen to music, id try that.

[leomama]

I got in trouble for listening to it too loud. That made me realize I need to get extra help.