Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

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mamaoftwo8901 12/13/2011

Hi, it's been a while since I've been here. But I deal with anxiety every day and have been seeing a therapist for a while now and working through problems, etc, and in a lot of ways am doing better. But the past couple of months, I've noticed I've had an extremely hard time concentrating and staying focused on everything. Even in normal conversations I have a hard time keeping the dialogue going b/c I forget what I'm saying, etc. When I read now, I have to re-read the same sentence over and over, and I used to not be like that. I can't seem to remember or keep up with what's going on around me, much more so than normal. Is this anxiety related? I'm always afraid I have a tumor or something in my brain causing symptoms like this (I know it sounds typical but I really do worry about it), but wonder if others feel this way. I've tried drinking green tea to relax, taken a lorazepam to see if it makes a difference, and tried getting more sleep. But I pretty much still feel the same way.

The only thing different right now is I do have a big "crush" on a man right now and it's pretty much consuming my thoughts right now. But even when I'm around him I can't seem to keep my thoughts organized/focused and respond the way I normally do. But I'm also like this around my family and even when I'm just watching tv. What in the world is wrong with me? I know I'm thinking about this guy a lot, but surely it can't cause me to completely go off the track like this? Any ideas?

deleted_user 12/14/2011

I have had that problem all my life. When I was little I was often scolded for having a "short attention span." Now they call it ADHD (grownups get it too). What I have found that works for me is to distract the part of my brain that is always "running wild." I listen to soft music in the background (random Zen music is great for this) while I am reading. At work in meetings, I take detailed notes (or doodle, which is my preference, if I can get away with it) because it helps me focus on what is being said.

My "runaway brain" is distracted by the music or doodles, while the rest of me is able to focus on the matter at hand. True, I'm good for about 20 minutes, then I have to do something different for about 1 to 2 minutes, then I'm good to go again. If you are like me, try to find something to distract your runaway (a friend listens to sports all day) and your focus may get better. If not, maybe others might have new suggestions.

kindlefan301 12/14/2011

Adris has some good suggestions. I never thought of it before, but sometimes a minor distraction, like music or talk radio in the background, will help with focus. When I am in church, I copy Scripture backwards. Silly, but it keeps me right there!

mamaoftwo8901 12/14/2011

Thanks for both of your comments! I haven't really had as much trouble with my focus/concentration in the past as I have now, that's kind of why I'm uncertain it's ADHD. But you never know! I'll definitely keep your ideas in mind. Thank-you!

nal 12/14/2011

It could be some symptoms of depression or anxiety. i have times i can read books, and times i can't read two pages. you are not alone. Lorazapam did nothing for me, xanax helps my anxiety to a point, but i guess it is up to us to try to control it. i can't watch tv, can't concentrate, i find the computer useful and that is why i am using this site to make more friends and help and be helped. You will get b etter!

mamaoftwo8901 12/15/2011

Thanks, nal. My therapist says anxiety/depression can sometimes lead to feeling unfocused and unable to concentrate, but I've just never had it this long. Trying to get back on track. Thanks so much for your help. :)

deleted_user 12/15/2011

Wow! I have the same problems. I know that people's thoughts wander often but it's so hard to control yourself. Listening to music, going shopping, etc only helps for a little bit. Then, it's right back to the negative thoughts. My ex bf's main issue with me was not listening. He would constantly tell me that i don't listen but really sometimes i just don't comprehend what he's saying. Are other thoughts distract me from listening. The same with focusing in school. So, like you, i would think of all these issues that i might have (My learning disability, a growing tumor, etc...).

I plan to get tested for ADHD and I think it wouldn't hurt for you to get tested as well. Some people tell me to find things of interests are meditate. The meditation thing i haven't done yet but i will soon because I tend to get very nervous and anxious a lot. Actually, meditation should help control your mind too. Just know that your not alone girl. :)

mamaoftwo8901 12/15/2011

Thanks, Mandy! It's nice to hear I'm not alone. We do sound a lot alike lol. I have the problem with not comprehending what people say as well. Things just aren't sinking in like they used to. but hopefully I'll get back to where I used to be. I've been contemplating meditation for a while, so maybe I'll give that a try too. Thanks for your kind words. :)

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