Staying Focused

[hushhush]

I have a hard time keeping focused when it comes to tasks that feel like work to me.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm well-educated in self-help and motivation and all that wonderful stuff. But the PTSD seems to throw most of that advice out of the window.

I feel like when I'm triggered my PTSD becomes background noise, filling my cup up so that even the slightest hint of struggle makes me dissociate or seek distractions.

I know that willpower is an exhaustible (and renewable) resource, but with my PTSD going off it feels like there's even less willpower available.

Is there anything you do to keep focused on work? Do you have to take a lot of breaks? How do you get a lot accomplished when you have a deadline for example?

 

[Myanxietyhasanxiety]

I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult about 1 year prior to my diagnosis of PTSD.

My inability to concentrate was the first area of concern for me. It started to impact my entire life. Lose keys, ID card, purse, unable to hold a thought, forgetfulness.

I went to a neurological clinic at the time and they performed a series of tests. After weeks of evaluation, they stated I had a severe impairment in my executive functioning "attention" part of my brain.

At that same time, convinced me I had ADHD , and must have had since childhood. ( didn't nessasarily agree with but I was about to lose my job. I was desparate to find a solution)

Placed me on a trial of Ritalin. It was a significant improvement.

It was about a year later all my other symptoms of PTSD started to manifest full force. But the DX of ADHD stuck. I now take Adderall XR once a day and it helps me significantly.

I tried many homopathic methods to help but unfortunately this is the one area that I could not find relief from.

I would love to go All Natural in the future and look foward to other people's suggestions and or thoughts on this as well.

 

[mamachick]

I understand what you are saying. I feel like I have a brain disease and I have not been able to find a solution either. Its like my brain is on over drive. I have too many things that need done. I can't even prioritize them as I used to. Most of the time, being overwhelmed zaps my energy and focus. My brain is all over the place, and I don't accomplish anything. Also, many things I use to do were things such as home maintainace, and it was like therapy to me, keeping up with painting around the house and other projects. Due to physical problems, I can no longer do that anymore. Last week, I weighed in at 99 lbs and am 5'6", down from 128 a year or two ago.

I also take Adderoll to stay awake, or rather wake up due to a sleep disorder where I do not get any REM sleep so it causes daytime sleepiness. I am really confused because I have had episodes of parasomnia during the past few years and since diagnosed woth ptsd. Parasomnia(one form) happens during dreams, and people often act them out. This is called REM behavior disorder and is not a psychiatric disorder, but a medical condition that often proceeds Parkinsons and other illnesses. Some are violent during sleep. I have nightmares, and call people for help. Not awake or asleep, but in an altered state. Now aware of this, I question if I dissociate or nod off and have this state during wake like hours. There are no professionals in my area, so this is a self diagnosis through research of what I have been told that I have done during sleep. Sorry I have no answers. I am not able to meditate well, but now some are saying that adult coloring books provide the same benefit as meditation. I have not tried but plan to.