Attention Span

LegacyUser

My attention span is disappearing at an alarming rate. I find it very hard to watch films anymore in one sitting (cinema or at home). After 20 minutes I just want to pause it. Its the same with computer games. I cannot read books anymore because after 10 pages i just find myself giving up. If I am watching something on the laptop. It's always on in the background. I could cry with the frustration I feel. Maybe I am just imposing my internet browsing habits onto everything these days. Strangely its not affecting me with music. I can listen to music for hours on end with no problems
I am finding it quite depressing though. Reading & watching films are 2 of the big enjoyments in my life.

Any advice?

Passenger

Sounds like you just need to condition your mind into not thinking about your distractions, ie. being online, etc.

If you can maybe self-analyse why exactly you feel like you need to be online, etc. then maybe you'll discover the root of the problem. What is the motivating factors? Maybe you have access to too many distraction at any one time. Maybe try to restrict your exposure to multiple distractions when you want to watch a movie, read a book, etc.

Otherwise discuss it with your doc. I'm sure there are many options to help you. Maybe it's a mild form of ADD, but you're better off discussing this with the doc as asking people to diagnose a stranger over the interweb might prove to be counter-productive thus prolonging your issue.

Orla K

I've seen this happen a few times but did something happen recently that could have upset you. Sometimes, you mightn't feel upset but the back of your mind dwells on it.

Affable

Unregistered wrote: »

My attention span is disappearing at an alarming rate. I find it very hard to watch films anymore in one sitting (cinema or at home). After 20 minutes I just want to pause it. Its the same with computer games. I cannot read books anymore because after 10 pages i just find myself giving up. If I am watching something on the laptop. It's always on in the background. I could cry with the frustration I feel. Maybe I am just imposing my internet browsing habits onto everything these days. Strangely its not affecting me with music. I can listen to music for hours on end with no problems
I am finding it quite depressing though. Reading & watching films are 2 of the big enjoyments in my life.

Any advice?

Don't be too hard on yourself. It doesn't mean you've lost your mind.
You may just have more distractions and worries nowadays.

Locamon

I agree with 'passenger' hard to understand when we don't have the full story about what is going on in your life...a trip to the GP and a general checkup/discussion might be productive.

jdivision

There can be a number of reasons for it. Do some research and in particular look at your diet

LegacyUser

I should have explained more.

I don't know what to say about what is going on in my my life really. I'm in a medium where its not brilliant but its not **** either. My job contract expired and wasn't renewed in December but wasn't renewed but I had planned on go back to do a masters this September anyway so I wasn't too bothered by that. Diets okay could be better, could be worse. Hasn't changed for the last year much.

missingtime

Find this happens with me too. I'd recommend going for a walk for 30mins beforehand, this might give you a chance to clear your head, then you could settle down with your movie or book.