Difficulty Focusing

[simplekindofgirl]

I used to be very "normal", at least by societies standards. But I like a lot of you, now struggle to stay focused, on anything! I can be cooking- something I do routinely- something that is so routine that I should be able to do it with my eyes closed, and then suddenly it is like I am hit with a brick in the skull. For a moment I am somewhere else completely, stuck in this foggy moment where everything becomes so altered- but at the same moment I am completely aware, heightened awareness even. But it only lasts a moment, and when I am back mentally I can not focus on what had been doing before it happened. I cant remember where I was in my recipe, I cant focus on what to do next, and I cant seem to focus on anything else. Some of the times it lasts for only several seconds, other times several hours. But eventually it all comes back, but my ability to function properly is altered. My focus is gone.

And before anyone asks- yes I addressed this with my physician since I have/had suffered from severe head trauma. MRIs and CT scans all show that nothing unusual is taking place. They are associating it with the PTSD- a flashback without memory sort of thing. It is different than what most people explain, where as the symptom associated with ptsd mimics ADD.

However, there are many reasons why attention and focus can become lost. Including sleep disorders.

Hugs to you all- you are all so wonderful.

 

[kris]

I had the same problems and my psychiatrist prescribed me Ritalin, it helps me to concentrate and focus a lot better than I was before I started the med.

 

[MouseWedger]

I guess this is just a pretty common thing with PTSD - and like everything else I keep finding out it makes me glad in some small way because I know it's not just me, that I'm not alone. Guess they were right when they said misery loves company :confused:. Im headed back to work soon so I need to figure out how to get some modicum of focus back... here's to hoping more exercise and being out of this House of Horrors will help!

 

[Martin Taylor]

My T tells me to check my watch. I did not have it when the trauma was occurring, so if I am wearing it the trauma is obviously not "now". ( did that make sense? ) Yes, I zone. I do it a lot more when I am sleep deprived (often) and stressed (often). I also find that I have a circular thought pattern that distracts me and drags me down into some nasty areas. I found that I am often thinking of perceived injustices that I am angry about. I am finding (not quite there yet) that if I decide to do something about it (nothing is a something, as long as I decide to do nothing) and then follow-up on it, those zoning times are less and I feel better. Also, when I find myself zoning like that I mentally shout "STOP" to myself. That seems to help.

Also, as simplekindofgirl said, check for sleep disorders. I also have periodic limb movement, the drugs for that have helped.

Good luck.

 

[Martin Taylor]

Another mindfullness trick: The more stressed I get the more the world gets black and white. So I focus on colors (what colors are in that picture? What different shades of green can I see in the lawn? etc) Seems to help.