I Can’t Seem to Focus Anymore. Is Something Wrong with Me?

Hi, I'm hoping you can help me with my situation. I am finding it harder and harder to focus. Whether I am at work, reading, or even talking on the phone or watching TV, my mind frequently wanders to something else and I totally lose track of whatever it was I was supposed to be concentrating on. This happens every day, and it seems to be happening with increasing frequency. Is this possibly due to some mental or brain disorder? I want to get this figured out. I find that too often I have to go back and re-read something I read, rewind the TV, or act like I've been listening and say something nondescript to make it seem like I am engaged. What's wrong with me? Thanks. —Out of Focus
Dear Out of Focus,

That sounds very frustrating. It also sounds like it might be causing you some anxiety, which might be perpetuating the attentional issues you are experiencing. Does this ring true? If so, next time you feel this happening you might want to try taking a few deep breaths, direct your focus to your breathing and then gently remind yourself to focus on the task at hand.

I find myself wondering if your mind is often going to the same thing when it wanders. We all go through challenging times in life that can make it difficult to focus on what we are trying to do in the present moment. For example, if you’ve recently experienced the loss of a relationship, you may find your mind wandering to that person, to memories of time spent together, to sadness about an unknown future, to the fear of loneliness.

Find a Therapist

Advanced Search

If, however, this issue seems to have no connection to a recent loss or transition in your life, I might wonder if you are feeling bored or restless with where you are in your life right now. Sometimes a difficulty focusing can be an indicator that it is time to shake things up a bit.

It might be helpful to you to partner with a therapist to try to sort through some of these things and see if you can develop an understanding of how this came to be a part of your life. If you do choose to meet with a therapist, it might be a good idea to try to find someone who has some expertise in attentional issues. While it is possible that the issues you are describing are a natural part of some sort of a transition in your life or an indicator that a change is needed, it is also possible that something else is going on. Perhaps there is an undiagnosed attentional issue that could be identified and worked on or treated. A therapist with expertise in attentional issues will be able to help you distinguish between these possibilities and help you move to a place of greater peace and focus.

If you haven’t done so already, I also recommend seeing a doctor to rule out any possible medical causes.

Best wishes,
Sarah

Sarah Noel, MS, LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist living and working in Brooklyn, New York. She specializes in working with people who are struggling through depression, anxiety, trauma, and major life transitions. She approaches her work from a person-centered perspective, always acknowledging the people she works with as experts on themselves. She is honored and humbled on a daily basis to be able to partner with people at such critical points in their unique journeys.
  • 22 comments
  • Leave a Comment

  • Johnny

    November 14th, 2014 at 1:53 PM

    I frequently feel this way but I find that if I can take a little down time for me, and then that really helps me get my mind refocused and on the task at hand. We might not be able to do this all the time but at least a few times a week try to dedicate to things that you enjoy, and not those things that you feel like you have to do. If you can do this, it might get you to a better place mentally so that your focus will be even sharper and more in tune with the things that need to be accomplished.

    Reply

  • natasha

    November 16th, 2014 at 5:38 AM

    could be depression… there are numerous ways that this can manifest itself.. think that I would have it checked out

    Reply

  • caree

    November 17th, 2014 at 3:58 AM

    Perhaps this is something that you have always lived with but have in the past been able to manage it a little bit better than what you are feeling that you are able to do right now. That’s understandable, there could be things going on beneath the surface that you haven’t dealt with or that maybe you don’t even understand right now. I think that it is clear that you recognize that there is something a little unusual going on with you right now and that you may need some help with that so I know that this alone is a great first step.

    Reply
show more comments

Leave a Comment

By commenting you acknowledge acceptance of GoodTherapy.org's Terms and Conditions of Use.

 

* Indicates required field.

Search Our Blog

   

Browse by Category


Notice to users

GoodTherapy is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, or therapy. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding any mental health symptom or medical condition. Never disregard professional psychological or medical advice nor delay in seeking professional advice or treatment because of something you have read on GoodTherapy.
GoodTherapy uses cookies to personalize content and ads to provide better services for our users and to analyze our traffic. By continuing to use this site you consent to our cookies.