Disorganized And Unable To Concentrate

[Jade-]

I really could use some tips on how to get myself more organized and improve my concentration.

I am so disorganized that I can't seem to get anything done. I feel too overwhelmed most times and can't even get simple tasks done. When I try to clean my house, I just don't know where to begin. It takes too much thought and concentration. I have so many thoughts and images in my head at one time that I can't think or concentrate well.

Every night before I go to bed I have to make a list of what I need to do the next day or when I wake up in the morning I feel lost and don't know why I am up. I even have to write down that I have to work and what hours I work, even though I have had this job for 3 years.

I have a hard time going to the store with a list. Even having the list in my hand, I still forget to get what's on it. I always forget where I park my car, and sometimes my mind goes blank and I forget how to pay using a debit card or credit card.

At times I feel disabled. It's like my mind isn't my own and I have no control over it.

 

[Ursula Wheeler]

@J.B.

You speak from my heart.

When this 'confusion' is interspersed with numbing depression, where you have no interest in anything, or self esteem problems, where nothing you do is good enough - so why bother doing anything....

Just don't feel ALONE, take each day as it comes, retain your sense of humour, give yourself credit for your achievements and don't beat yourself up when you 'fail'.

You have already made a difference to my life by posting your story!

 

[Fed up]

All those things you mentioned I have problems with however I thought my issues primarily were from the 5th concussion I got from an accident at work. I do remember being scared of the new boss and avoiding and basically trying to just get out of the building because I was so injured that I feared my weakness would be used against me. I know it sounds weird but my ex used to be more violent when I was weak or even crying. He was a very very large man.

So could I have a double whammy for those memory and organization issues?

 

[Flossy]

I make a list every day, cross things off as I do them and add things I do, even the smallest.

I asked my husband how he gets through it when he does not know what to do. He said he starts from where he is sitting and looks around him and gets up and deals with it on a radiating basis. In other words, he starts to pick up what is on the table and put it away and then works outwards in that room. Then goes to another room.

This is a habit he has had from when he was young. I tried it and now use it when I get stuck. It works for me.

 

[greenleaf]

A couple of ways I sometimes have bits of success with organizing/cleaning:
1.) Don't think of the tasks to be done, just think of the time (maybe 15 minutes) that you are going to spend doing some cleaning, even while doing it.
2.) Alternatively, look at a very small messy place and just clean it, ignore everything else.

(I'm good at ignoring, so sometimes the ignoring ability can help the overwhelmed feelings if channelled semi-productively...) :rolleyes::whistling:

 

[Fed up]

All those things you mentioned I have problems with however I thought my issues primarily were from the 5...

So I understand we all have stumbling blocks but how do we fix the complex issues?

Do we settle for being dumb asses?

Do we push forward?

Do we ask for help?

If we ask who wants to help?

I need to be able to organize my thoughts for more technical issues along with regular household things

I need to fix engineering issues and more. I won't ignore my ignorance and I will succeed!

 

[Chava]

Been there. A few ideas that work for me:

Do something I don't have to do but love, that puts me in a clear mindset (like play piano...I'm always more organized afterward for a while, like I just get some stuff done!)
Go for a walk...just get out of there. Pick one little corner to organize when you return.
Pick one corner, one little project, and blast your favorite high-energy music, and do it.
Set an alarm, ideally one you can wear or put in your pocket. Set it for 10 minutes. Just pick stuff up as you go, clean, whatever seems necessary, for just 10 minutes. Then do something else. Repeat.

Not sure if any of those ideas will help. Lists don't help me either. I'm scattered and random and too often too depressed. But I can nudge myself through increasing activity in a non-chore way, like walk the dog...or get some music going and pay to attention to a list but just organize the first little nook of chaos I see. And if that's all I do for the day, it's progress. I meant to clean my bedroom today. I did. Did I finish it completely? No. But I made a start...and that does feel good. It will reinforce itself if you find a way to get started. :)

 

[Fed up]

Thanks. You mentioned music a couple times.

I have heard of music therapy. Do you think that is a positive aspect for you?

 

[Fed up]

Maybe music just blocks out the assholes in your life or memory?!?!?

 

[Chava]

I don't do music therapy, but I am a musician. I use music and sounds in lots of way....fun music to get stuff done around the house, singing bowls to help me settle down....or sometimes even to sleep if I'm rattled.

ETA music blocks out the thoughts, anxiety, or scatter and keeps me more present. Music is like that...totally driven on the moment to moment present. And to listen I forget everything else and just focus on what I'm doing. Very helpful.

 

[Flossy]

So I understand we all have stumbling blocks but how do we fix the complex issues?

Do we settle for be...

We're not dumbasses, you're not a dumbass. You have a broken brain. Part of your brain has been traumatised.

We don't push forward, we try to move forward a bit every day and train our brain to recognise the smallest movement foward and see it as valuable.

Yes, we ask for help. From anyone and anywhere that occurs to us, and who wants to help, even if just in words. We seek information anywhere we feel comfy with. Training, courses, internet, library, friends, work colleagues, phone lifeline support workers. We put it out there, talk about it and take notice when someone talks back or shows interest. We take those opportunities and think on them more. Keep notes, notebooks, write on the walls or on sheets of paper if necessary.

You use harsh punishing words about yourself. Be kinder to yourself. You have done nothing wrong.