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

November 14, 2014

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

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.

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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

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