22 typical problems for people who suffer from a lack of concentration

If you suffer with a lack of concentration, there can be a variety of causes of this. You may be suffering with stress for example, or anxiety or depression, or you may have physiological reasons for a lack of concentration. Tiredness is a major factor, as is poor diet. Hormonal changes can also be a reason why many women have trouble concentrating at key periods in their lives such as puberty, during pregnancy or approaching menopause. For most of us, concentration problems will be temporary, but that doesn’t stop us worrying about the issues here and now.

Do you suffer with a lack of concentration? Do you recognise these problems?

1. You enter a room but can’t remember what you came in for.
2. You go to the supermarket and you ‘know there was something else’ but can’t remember what it was.
3. You put your keys/purse/wallet/spectacles down and can’t find them again “I know I put them somewhere!”
4. You start something, perhaps a book or a craft project, but then you don’t finish what you were doing.
5. You’re watching a television show or a movie and your mind wanders so much you can’t follow the plot
6. You’re studying but can’t remember anything at all
7. Your mind races from one thought to the next without pausing
8. You are struggling to remember things in your short term memory
9. You have difficulty forming coherent thoughts
10. You start speaking but trail off
11. You struggle with names
12. You suffer with insomnia and your brain is too busy in the night, meaning you toss and turn
13. It’s someone’s birthday and you forget to send a card
14. You have an appointment and completely forget you’re supposed to show up
15. You’re sat at your desk and feel paralysed with the weight of what you have to do and have no idea where to start
16. You know you should keep some sort of diary or create a task list but haven’t got around to doing it
17. You’re good at procrastination
18. You’re easily distracted
19. Too much noise in your environment means you can’t think straight
20. You feel down or anxious and being low means you’re inclined to put things off, or feel ‘it isn’t worth it’.
21. You have no enthusiasm for the task in hand
22. You can’t focus on anything for very long at all.

You can improve your concentration

If you get to grips with what it is that is actually causing your concentration problems, then the chances are that you will be able to improve matters. The thing to remember is that concentration problems can range in intensity from slight, to moderate, to severe. They can come in waves, where the problem is really bad one minute but eases the next. It may be a temporary blip, a stressful period in your life. If you’re worried that it is anything more deeply rooted than this, then do take further advice.

Other articles

How to stop everything going wrong

Do you always feel that everything’s always going wrong? Find out how to stop this cycle of bad thoughts in its tracks. When you think positively, things will start to appear positive and you will eventually feel more positive and optimistic.

How to beat irrational anxieties

Irrational anxieties can seem overwhelming, affecting every aspect of your life. Learn how to beat your fears and worries and take back control.

Top 5 nonsensical reasons to have doubts about yourself

It happens to everyone at times: we start doubting ourselves. We worry about the decisions and whether we can face future challenges that life has in store. And sometimes we feel that we just aren't good enough.

What makes it so hard to go back to school?

Going back to school during a pandemic is a new experience for everyone, and it's understandable if children are feeling anxious about it. We take a look at some of the issues and how you can help your child to get ready for returning to the classroom.

Signs you're slipping into a burn-out

Learn how to recognise the signs of stress and avoid slipping into a burnout or a bore-out

Why not me?

It's natural to compare our own lives with those of others - weighing up the pros and cons of situations helps us make decisions. But there can be a downside when you find you're constantly comparing yourself with others, envying their seemingly perfect lives and wondering why they are luckier, more prosperous, and better looking than you.

Hiding a depression: find out if someone you know - or you yourself! - is doing this

It's not always easy to tell if someone has depression. While some signs such as sadness, pessimism and withdrawal from social interaction are easy to recognise, other symptoms may be less obvious. And some people are very good at hiding their depression - even from themselves!

Stop procrastinating right now and do something!

Read some tips to get the challenge you're thinking about out of the way. Now is the time to do something, you can start right now. Read on to know more!

Do We Label Too Fast?

Nowadays, it can sometimes seem almost everyone has a mental health issue or learning disorder. But, are we too quick to label people, or is it that we are more aware of the problems? This article looks at some of the issues surrounding these sensitive questions.

10 Tips to get the best out of every day

When we’re stuck in a bit of a rut, the days and nights slip past so quickly that we barely notice them. But life is not a rehearsal!