Inability To Focus Enough To Study

[surviving_it_all]

I am completely overwhelmed right now. This bout of PTSD was brought on by my mother who stayed with me for a while. I simply cannot be too close to her. She is very abusive and though I know she loves me....She has her own problems. I miss my old life. I miss the drive and passion I had for learning. It is still there but its buried below so much stress. Its hard to find a way to study when my chest is aching, my stomach is turning, and my body is on full alert for danger. A friend made the comment "When I first met you, all you did was study. You used to be a good worker. What happened?" I didn't know how to explain that I really can't control it. I feel lazy. I am not trying to be. Its not like I do not have the drive to do as much as I literally cant focus and I am too jittery to focus. I wonder how I will make it throuh this semester.

 

[Philippa]

You could try a little exercise to help with concentration and focus.

Basically you light a candle and then sit and stare at the flame for about 2 minutes. Then, place your hands over your eyes and keep them closed and covered for about 1-2 minutes.

During this time, continue to see the flame in your minds eye, without letting your mind wander.

Just do the best you can and this will help with focussing.

It's an ancient yoga technique.

 

[Bone Gryphon]

Exercise works for me, have you been placed on any meds? it has helped in my life, I am a student too

 

[NarcSis]

I've put my studies on hold until I have better control of my life, tough decision but with PTSD I have to come first.

Look up mindfulness and try daily meditation practice, it helps settle the nervous system and improves your concentration. Good luck.

 

[AS1975]

I just had to defer a semester, it is the third time I've had to do so on mental health grounds, so I hope I don't get penalised. One thing I have noticed is that early results from essays are a very good 'warning signal', I have done the best I'm capable of doing, but what I submit is crap (if I read it later, I can see it is crap too), but it is an early signal that I'm disassociating quite badly and it is time to get into or step up the treatment regime.

For example, I'm capable of pulling a D-HD average (80%+) while working and studying full-time when I'm well, when I'm beginning to slip I'm lucky to pull a bare pass. It isn't lack of study, it isn't inability to concentrate so much as it is an inability to learn, to think clearly and communicate effectively. It sucks, but I would suggest that you talk to the lecturers/etc. at the school and tell them the issue and that it is something you are trying to deal with, but their help/understanding would be appreciated.