Difficulty concentrating - can anyone relate?

[WaylonJennings]

Maybe this shouldn't be on a message board, but I'm not finding a perfect match on Google.

The thing is, I have difficulty concentrating. Have for years. And it's particularly bad when I'm 1. Writing 2. Reading or 3. Talking on the phone. I'm in an office where there are people close by all the time, as a lot of us probably do, and it just seems that I can't get any kind of steam going on my writing. I can't pinpoint if it's because I keep anticipating interruptions or if it's something deeper than that, like self-consciousness. Same thing with reading - and it frustrates my wife when I have to go in another room to read a magazine article or book, or turn my back to her in bed at night.

But my mind simply won't let me concentrate unless I have space and complete peace and quiet away from others.

Anxiety disorder of some sort? Or just wussy-itis?

 

[imjustagirl2]

I have no idea what that must be like. I'm usually good as soon as I sit down and start wri...OOOH something shiny!

 

[markvid]

I'm sorry, you were saying?

 

[Dan Rydell]

Dunno what else to say but this: You're ****ed.

If you wanna make it in this biz, you better learn how to isolate yourself in a crowd.

 

[Barsuk]

You should check with your doctor about medication. I know some anti-depressant/anti-anxiety drugs, such as Lexapro, help with concentration.

 

[markvid]

Maybe this shouldn't be on a message board, but I'm not finding a perfect match on Google.

The thing is, I have difficulty concentrating. Have for years. And it's particularly bad when I'm 1. Writing 2. Reading or 3. Talking on the phone. I'm in an office where there are people close by all the time, as a lot of us probably do, and it just seems that I can't get any kind of steam going on my writing. I can't pinpoint if it's because I keep anticipating interruptions or if it's something deeper than that, like self-consciousness. Same thing with reading - and it frustrates my wife when I have to go in another room to read a magazine article or book, or turn my back to her in bed at night.

But my mind simply won't let me concentrate unless I have space and complete peace and quiet away from others.

Anxiety disorder of some sort? Or just wussy-itis?

Ok, I'll actually give a serious answer.
See your doc first. He'd steer you in the right direction, maybe it's adult ADD, maybe you could use a self-help tape, etc.

 

[Songbird]

Atterol.

 

[shockey]

paxil.


it's done such wonders for me -- anxiety, concentration -- i recommend it to everyone for everything. ;D ;D ;D

 

[markvid]

Were you able to get that from your regular doc or did you need to get it elsewhere?

 

[Editude]

One non-drug approach I try is to turn up the volume on the inner monologue. I also think of up-tempo songs.

 

[Barsuk]

One non-drug approach I try is to turn up the volume on the inner monologue. I also think of up-tempo songs.

**** that. Go with the drugs.

 

[forever_town]

I would go see a doctor, either a M.D. or a psychiatrist. The possibility of ADD or ADHD is one that you may want to think about.

If you work in a newsroom where it's possible to have minimal distractions when you have to file a story, do what you can. If that means grabbing a laptop and walking into a conference room or some other method, it doesn't hurt to try.

 

[farmerjerome]

I always have trouble concentrating when I'm on the computer or reading. I think it might have something to do with my eye sight.

Go to the doc and get some meds.

 

[Smallpotatoes]

I have that problem, too, but I also have an aversion to drugs that are used to treat such conditions.
I guess I'm ****ed.

 

[HandsomeHarley]

I am ADHD and ADD, with mild OC.

The one medication I found to work with the fewest side effects is Cymbalta. It's more of an anti-anxiety medication than anything, but it helps take the edge off of life.

I still can't sit still (shaking my knee, foot, etc.), though.

The weird thing is, being an introvert, I have little trouble tuning out the rest of the world.

And no, I'm not Rainman (though my son might be).

 

[old_tony]

I think concentration during work became a thing of the past when Al Gore invented the Internet and sites like SportsJournalists.com were then created.

 

[WaylonJennings]

I think concentration during work became a thing of the past when Al Gore invented the Internet and sites like SportsJournalists.com were then created.

That could be something that's undermined it.

The weird thing is, I'm fine on deadline in press boxes. Because, I bet, I don't anticipate distractions because other people are hard at work, too. It seems that I have difficulty when I feel I'm liable to get interrupted every few minutes, or seconds even.

Maybe it is ADD. I hate the idea of getting medication, though. Side effects and all of that. I like to have sex after all.

 

[Cansportschick]

Maybe this shouldn't be on a message board, but I'm not finding a perfect match on Google.

The thing is, I have difficulty concentrating. Have for years. And it's particularly bad when I'm 1. Writing 2. Reading or 3. Talking on the phone. I'm in an office where there are people close by all the time, as a lot of us probably do, and it just seems that I can't get any kind of steam going on my writing. I can't pinpoint if it's because I keep anticipating interruptions or if it's something deeper than that, like self-consciousness. Same thing with reading - and it frustrates my wife when I have to go in another room to read a magazine article or book, or turn my back to her in bed at night.

But my mind simply won't let me concentrate unless I have space and complete peace and quiet away from others.

Anxiety disorder of some sort? Or just wussy-itis?

Welcome to my world lately...however, the only difference is that I need music to function in the office. I make sure I play music no one likes so people don't interrupt me. It always works.

 

[outofplace]

I think concentration during work became a thing of the past when Al Gore invented the Internet and sites like SportsJournalists.com were then created.

That could be something that's undermined it.

The weird thing is, I'm fine on deadline in press boxes. Because, I bet, I don't anticipate distractions because other people are hard at work, too. It seems that I have difficulty when I feel I'm liable to get interrupted every few minutes, or seconds even.

Maybe it is ADD. I hate the idea of getting medication, though. Side effects and all of that. I like to have sex after all.

Understandable....but if you can find something that helps alleviate your problem, you'll stop minding the meds so much.

One other thought. Have you been getting enough sleep? This business can lead to some pretty erratic sleeping patterns. If your brain doesn't get enough rest, it won't function as it should.

I should know. Ask anybody. I have mild insomnia and my brain does NOT function like one should.

 

[Mystery_Meat]

tl;dr