Is there any way I can increase my attention span?

Question

I've always had a very short attention span, but I've never been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. I am diagnosed with OCD, Tourette's (which is confused with ADHD), depression, & anxiety. I get distracted VERY easily, & my mind can't stay focused on 1 task, whether it's cleaning the house, reading, doing homework (when I was in school-I already have my degree), or even watching a movie. I don't even watch TV. I don't even turn on my TV. I forget it's there sometimes. If I do watch a TV show or a movie, I feel like turning the video or TV off after 5 min. & when listening to lectures, @ bible class, school, meetings etc. my mind drifts, daydreaming, & most of the timeI find myself zoned out, trying to mentally fight my OCD intrusive, unwanted thoughts that are very distracting. That's why it would be hard for me to keep a job, being employed, because I get distracted very easily, & I have to work slowly & carefully. because if I'm rushing, I become clumsy & get anxiety attacks, & lots of things start breaking, & then I have to be liable for it PLUS get fired! It's SO hard.

I used to HATE when my college professors would tell me, "Candy, pay attention!" or they would call on me to answer a question of what teacher was lecturing. Like, @ the end of the class session, the professor would tell me, "OK, Candy. Summarize to the whole class what I said in this whole class session." & then, I'd feel frozen, & my mind would go blank. I'd freak out & the other students would DIE laughing, falling out of their chairs & stuff. It was very embarrassing.

I have always struggled with reading & listening comprehension & still do. People lose patience with me very fast.

Now, I can't even listen to music anymore. I play a song, & after 45 seconds, I'm tired of the song & go on to doing something else.

What do I do?

Answer 1

My dear Candy....

Well...that's quite a difficult "task" you're dealing with, honey...I know exactly HOW you feel, because it happened to me when I was younger...What I suggest is meditating, Yoga or something like that.It's a  L O N G  process, Candy & you must develop lots of patience.

A therapist is not a bad idea either...because they can point out several helpful "strageties" to you as well....Take a break "in between"...It's a difficult task, but I am sure, you'll succeed in "the end"!!! I am sure, you'll make it, Candy !!!

Wish you all the best for the future ! Greetings from Germany with lots of love & care... Annette***

Answer 2

You might want to try yoga or meditation. If you have a good instructor and stick with it, then it can train your mind to settle down and to focus on one thing at a time.  

Answer 3

Find a cognitive behaviour specialist (usually a psychologist) who can help you develop coping skills specific to your issues.

My attention issues are relative minor; but I have found a few coping mechanisms that help me:

1) When in class, I write down what the instructor is saying. That occupies more of the mind so it is less likely to wander.

2) When watching TV, I work on a craft like cross stitch or knitting. Keeping my hands busy seems to allow me to focus better.

Good luck to you.