Concentration??

Hunter75 · Post by **Hunter75** » Mon Jan 18, 2010 3:00 pm

I've been recenetaly seeing a therapist after getting diagnosised with ADD from a psycologist. I feel that it is boarder line ADD cause I don't show all the sympoms. I'm very organized and always finish my tasks. I do have a hard time concentrating on what people are saying especially if i'm not interested. Even when I try to focus what is being said I don't understand it. I definitly have some anxiety to go with it from over the years of dealing with this problem it definitly took a toll on my self esteem. I don't want to take meds. Will this program help. Does meds really help ???

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 1:25 am

Hey Hunter,

I think this program can definitely help you here. I have also struggled with focus issues over the years, but I realize now (after having been through the program) that it was more about fear and boredom for me. I always struggled with social anxiety, so in social situations I would often lose my focus, and lose track of the conversation, but more so because I was so caught up in the anxious thoughts. Well, this program is all about helping you with those, and it will if you work at it. Sometimes I do still get bored with my work, and it can be a challenge to stay motivated and focused. My mind just starts to wander and tries to engage in something more interesting. I'm just better at catching this now, and redirecting my focus to the task at hand, because I do need that paycheck.

Actually, when I really check out my underlying thoughts (which are negative), I realize that these often need to be restructured, which always helps a lot. Restructuring your thoughts (cognitive therapy) is the core of this program. You should probably check it out. Or at least grab the Sam Obitz book - "Been There, Done That, Do This" which is mentioned elsewhere on this forum. The program has a lot more life skills to offer than that little book does though.

Good luck.

John

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 1:37 pm

I agree with John. And I think ADD is overdiagnosed. Our bodies weren't designed to have as much information thrown at us as is today, ya know? Our brains have to do something with the extra info so if you have a hard time paying attention to something that doesn't interest you (I have the SAME problem!), I personally think that's your brain's way of protecting itself from information overload.

The only way I can pay attention to something that doesn't interest me is to find even the smallest way to apply it to my life. For example, I don't have kids, nor do I plan to and so I don't like to waste my time learning things about them that I'll never use. But in school, anytime I would have to learn something about kids, I would try to apply it to my niece and nephew. Otherwise it would go in one ear and out the other.

To make a long story short, this program will definitely help you. One of the symptoms of anxiety is racing thoughts and not being able to concentrate. Lucinda explains it's because we aren't living in the present moment. We are either thinking about something from the past and dwelling over that or worried about something yet to happen in the future. I wouldn't take ADD meds until you finish the program. Just my opinion.

Nicole

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 2:14 pm

I feel the same about overloading ones brain with all the info we are being fed. News reports, TV and its ads about illness, medications etc. Other people problems which you have no control over....especially when they are halfway across the world. We dont relax enough mentally and then physically the symptoms follow. We need to focus on our own mental health and relaxation every day. Also is a big factor...it seems like the little problems mount up voraciously....once you get your head above water and feel good...something always happens....this is a tough thing for me especially. creamcheesepuff

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 04, 2010 4:50 am

I too have to say the ADD seems to be over-diagnosed!! I would NOT take any drugs!! Concentration problems can have SO many other causes - and usually have - information overload, some deficiency in vitamins and/or minerals, too little sleep, traumatic experiences we don't want to deal with, depression, anxiety, etc, etc. Especially for us who usually have tons of thoughts going round and round in our minds constantly, and who try to have an overview over just about everything at the same time. We simply have too many things to deal with at the same time, and to protect us our brains partly "shut down". Relax - it's normal to have concentration problems - I sure have it - and there are many other ways to deal with it than to take drugs.

Good luck!