Has anyone suffered from depression and they have trouble reading because of it?
Has anyone suffered from depression and they have trouble reading because of it ??
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Yes. I have found taking Airbourne at night helps the next day. I know it’s for colds, but it seems to help.
Yes! I also find I can only read certain types of books when depressed. Usually no non fiction or anything too serious or dark. I will often pick up and put down several books before I can focus and get through one.
Yes, recently especially.
my meds had a strange effect on my concentration , i take different stuff now
Yes after I finished Hamlet and crime and punishment
yes, I have depression and anxiety and sometimes its takes weeks before I can read.
Yes! But reading actually helps me, I become like a recluse with my books (more than usual?)
All. The. Time.
Yes!! I can be so into a really great book..and then whatever happens in my daily life that takes me down a dark tunnel causes me to read the rest of the book slower and slower if at all…I lose interest…and quit. I’ve ruined many books this way for myself. Being a book reviewer helps me because it gives me a task…an obligation…to complete a book so I can give a review for an author/publisher. It keeps my head a little level for awhile.
Yes. I didn’t read for a whole year due to severe depression. I still battle some days to concentrate. Or i just don’t have the motivation to read. Thats when i know its bad again…
they say depression u lose interest in things you like. If I am down a good book helps me.
Yes but it did not effect me reading at all. XxX
Yup! When I get in that kinda funk, I always read a favorite. I tend to feel better after
On the contrary, I usually read a lot when I’m depressed
Sometimes yes,also aniexty
Yes. Anxiety interferes with it even worse, but depression sucks, too.
Indeed
I’m bipolar and this is a big problem for me.
?♀️?♀️
Yes!
??♀️??♀️
Yes but I’ve learned how to cope with it and it doesn’t bother me that much any more. Anxiety is the worst through, but sometimes doing a favourite activity helps relax it. I don’t read that much because of painful memories. Memory is the death of us all.
Yes, hard to concentrate when consumed with depression.
@Stephanie has a book on how to heal from depression.
well i’m a psychiatrist, depression causes lack of attention
Yes. And yes sometimes I can’t follow the book because of it
Yes, it makes it super difficult for me to focus on reading, and it’s even more difficult to find interest
Yes. I always try to read when I start getting depressed but then I can’t concentrate and I don’t even have a desire to read. I’ll pick up a book read a sentence and then put it back down.
Absolutely.
Yes…….depression totally effects my concentration. I still read a lot but find that I rarely finish books anymore. I just hunt for a new one all the time read a bit and move on to another……
Yes and it’s called depersonalization it’s caused by anxiety and causes damage to the hippocampus but it can be reversed
Do tell
Do you know how it can be reversed, @Truman?
there are several ways to correct the problem, in part you will need to have a radical change in thinking, then find a skilled therapist that will work to resolve the trigger problem. (IE trauma or anxiety and the circumstance that caused it) Typically they will start with radical talk therapy then use a cognitive behavioral therapy cbt or grounding techniques. Another effective route is EMDR therapy. Sometimes a patient will need to seek pharmaceutical help to break through. This is not something you can break alone typically.
@Truman thank you for explaining this. It all makes perfect sense. The change in thinking is a great place to start, but I guess with some it’s easier said than done. We are lucky these days as there is quite a lot of help out there for those who need it.
@Sharon not enough I am afraid but I hope I helped in some small way
Yez
Yes I feel bad because I’m not reading fast enough and my mom wants me to get these books moved ASAP
If heads not in right place pick up kindle and read short stories x
Good tip!
I actually use reading to treat it. And if I am not feeling up to reading, then I relisten to my favorite Urban Fantasy books–nothing like a little impossible among the every-day to make me feel like I can handle my own life..
Yes I lost my mother recently and I am unable to read
Haven’t been able to finish one book for past four months
Hugs <3
yes read lots as a teen but my mid twenties i didn’t read for about four years because of it. now luckily im in a better place and gotten back into reading books regularly
Depends on which depression I’m dealing with. If it’s just a random bout from chronic depression then I’m capable of reading books that I think might touch me. If I’m dealing with MDD at the moment, however, then it’s extremely difficult to have energy for anything, much less reading.
Actually when I get depressed music doesn’t do anything for me..some people find comfort in it and reading actually helps me
Absolutely
Yes. When I hit my low points in my depression I lose interest in everything. Not only that, but I also feel like I have no energy for anything other that the necessities in my life. It’s difficult because reading has always been my escape and when this happens I go from reading everyday to sometimes not picking up a book for months.
Yes
This chick
I find that anytime you are having difficulty mentally or physically focusing can be hard.
Especially when it’s both
Definitely can affect my concentration skills. Sometimes, though, I kind of overcompensate with using books as a coping mechanism and read way too much to escape my reality. One good thing: I do my ‘anti depression walk’ (40 minutes brisk walking 4x/week has been shown to lessen depression on those with bipolar) and I read during that whole walk
Yup definitely!
Yes I have. I had postpartum after I had my daughter and thought that I was going to read a lot being off work. But i git on medication for a year
The meds do it too
The meds also keep me from feeling emotional….it’s the amazing story that breaks through
Yes
And anxiety. My anxiety is what usually causes my reading slumps
Yes. Reading is almost impossible because you cannot concentrate.
Yes definitely. I cannot read during those periods where I really feel down which is ironic I supposed because reading is the one thing that really can improve my mood – I can feel brain getting loose from the fog after really enjoying a book or a section of the book.
Yes
Yes or well, I can read certain “comfort” books that I know obh and feel good about
Yes
Yes. That’s when I turn to easy to read books or magazines that don’t require too much concentration.
Yup
I actually read more when I’m depressed, it’s my escape
Yes I have. It’s terrible because reading is an escape for me.
Yes. Just mind not in it.
Yeah I have PTSD
Yep
Yes …I hate not being able to follow a book when this happens.
Yes. Xo
Current struggle ?
Yes. Sometimes I read more when I’m depressed but sometimes I can’t seem to even be bothered to pick up a book. So it varies.
Same
I thought I was the only one
Current state ??
I suffer from depression, and I don’t read as much. I spend more time DNF’ing books than I do actually reading and enjoying them.
Yes. I just try to find something else to occupy my time until I can focus again. Find new music, draw, etc.
Try different books, something out of the ordinary something uplifting or even humor. This is a study book that im currently reading outside of my Amish book from Cindy Woodsmall.. Good humor/murder book I read was Murder, Plain and Simple by Isabella Alan, she only had maybe 6-8 books but are very clean funny books.
Yeah. Hard to concentrate or enjoy it?
Yes. It’s hard as the reading is my coping mechanism.
Yep. Happens always during an episode
Yes. I have postpartum depression, anxiety and PTSD. During this time I wasn’t even able to pick up a book. I found no joy in anything that used to bring me joy. I’m much better now and have been reading lots!
Yes, I just had it happen has been awhile
Yes I do
I hope you all are doing better and looking after yourselves ?
I never really linked one problem to the other, this makes so much sense
if anything I thought I felt worse because of not reading
yes. it’s hard bc reading is what usually gets me through and serves as my escape but sometimes that doesn’t even work.
me? and I still do sometimes
For me it comes in waves depending on how bad it is
Mine varies. Sometimes in my low periods, reading is the only slightly joyful thing I can manage. Other times I can’t bring myself to pick up a book. I have learned to be careful what I read during my depressive episodes though. Some things make it worse, but not the way you’d think. I actually read darker stuff because lighter, happier things just remind me of how not happy I am and I sink even further. Horror, murder, or things without a typical happily ever after are more relatable and actually make me feel better because all these bad things happen but the protagonist keeps going anyway, for better or for worse. Much like those of us with depression try to do. Makes me feel less alone.
I realize this sounds counterproductive and I don’t necessarily recommend trying it, but it does work for me so I’ll keep doing it until such a time as it no longer helps.
I have chronic depression and I found reading eased it a lot. Anxiety is another thing
Yes. I hope you feel better soon.
Yes
sometimes it’s hard to pick up a book and find the motivation to start, especially when you’re in an emotional whole. At least its that way for me
Absolutely!
????
Yes
Mine was stress related
Yes, I haven’t been able to concentrate on long reads for several months. Luckily, I can still write. Recently I did pick up a fiction book and I am able to manage a few pages at a time before anxiety overwhelms me, so hoping it will come back.
Many times
Yes but it has the opposite effect on me, and I tend to consume books like food while I’m depressed. I can escape into another world far away from reality.
?? me too
Yea! During at period I couldn’t stand reading a single page not only for novels but school books toi
Yep.
Yes after my dad passed I have read a total of 5 books. I was an avid reader who read atleast 2 books a month for years
Oh yes. It goes away after awhile
Yes
Yes
Yes. That was horrible ?
I stopped reading about 3 or 4 years ago because of my drepression. I finally broke down and went to a doctor so I started reading last year again.
Yes
I am struggling with right now books I usually zip thru is taking forever
YES. In fact, it’s so noticeable for me that I actually consider it a symptom/indicator/warning sign of my depression. It’s kind of a helpful baseline measurement for me. Helps me know when I’m coming out of or going into an episode. I actually force myself to read a little bit every day because it helps keep me at my baseline.
Yes, absolutely.
Reading fairly short books with light plotlines has helped me through some times of little ability to concentrate. Just remember that reading at a snail’s pace compared to what you are used to is still reading, and there are occasional moments of pleasurable reading that make sticking with it -if you can- worth the effort. Wishing you well.
Yes, I go to into a massive reading slump because of it, but I’ve finally gotten back into reading again ? Hope you’re ok ❤️
Yes.
Actually, I don’t know. I don’t know if I have depression and anxiety at that time and it got me really frustrated of not knowing. I don’t really know how depression feels like, but I do know that I stopped reading because I felt like something was weighing me down. I break down every night, I’m always scared, doing things that I love (reading, writing and painting) doesn’t excite me as much, and I always feel gloomy. It was after I had problems with my parents. And I have no idea what I was feeling.
Yes, absolutely. Reading shorter books with lighter stories helps☺️
Yes I often do. But sometimes I try really hard to push through as the book allows me to escape reality. I’m here if u ever need to chat been going through it for over 15 years and medicated for 8
Yes, there are times it is hard to concentrate on anything, and all I want to do is sleep.
And cry
Yes
YES it’s part of the symtoms of depression, both the incapacity to concentrate for more than a few minutes and also – finding no interest in activities you used to enjoy. Holy shit. Now i understand why i have a library full of unread Books i used to Beat myself up for… I’ve been chronically depressed for a decade. WoW ! Thanks for the Epiphany !
Yes
Just the opposite… reading helps me deal with it.
Yes. I love reading but the past few months I’ve been dealing with some family drama and been upset and depressed a lot. I can’t seem to focus on any book I pick up. I also love puzzles and I’ve had a puzzle I’ve been working on gathering dust because I can’t get into it.
Yes
Sometimes like I’ve been on this legal thriller probably a whole month (pretty unusual) I would normally try a nice glass of wine after good hot bath and it soothes my concentration somehow
Yes. I go months without reading at my worst, and feel horrible and guilty about not having the energy to read
Yes. No interest in reading, when depressed. No reading mojo, but it does come back, give it time. Hope you are feeling better.
Yes. But i have learned over the years. To just take one day at a time. And doing at least one thing in a day is perfectly ok.
I didn’t read for a long time. Maybe a year. I look back and know why but at the time I just didn’t have motivation for anything for me.
It is very hard for me to read. I use to love sitting for hours just reading. Now it’s a struggle to get through 5 pages.
Yes. I just can’t seem to get interested anymore. I used to read All.The.Time. I would get in trouble for reading at the table, and when I was supposed to be sleeping. Now I would rather sleep.
Yes! For the longest time I did not want to read, play video games, draw/paint, or any of the other hobbies I have. I recently made some lifestyle changes and so far I have yet to experience another depressive episode and have even started drawing again ❤? But yes, it was hard to get into reading while I was feeling low, but once I actually started reading it helped with my moods a bit!
Would kind of lifestyle changes? Sorry, I ask because I feel like I’m going down that road…
For me personally I noticed almost immediate drastic changes when I stopped taking my birth control (Sorry if that is TMI lol.) Even my husband noticed it within a few days. I’m less depressed, less anxious, and have more interest in things that I had completely lost interest in. I am also trying to exercise more and lose a few extra pounds because I’m very self conscious about my weight and seeing a few pounds drop while feeling better from exercising helps a lot as well. Like I used to just sleep all day every day and without my pills, and with diet and exercise I have just completely turned my moods around.
Yes. Recently went through this when my dad became ill and died the end of May. Now just getting back to reading and some days it’s still hard.
Yes I did after a bad break up & I was even going to college & it affected my school work as well!! I also have bad anxiety & sometimes even that can bother it too!!
I’ve been there. Had a guy I’d been seeing break up with me the night before some big exit tests for school. Literally told me he met someone else and was ending our 5 year relationship. By text. I somehow lucked out and did ok on the exams but I know I could have done wayyy better if the jerk had just waited til after my tests. ?I look back now and laugh a little and see it as a test of my strength but at the time I thought it was the end of the world. That was the start of my anxiety and trust issues.
I have treatment resistant depression. Currently, reading is the only thing I can concentrate on. I can’t/don’t watch movies or TV, haven’t engaged in former enjoyable activities (cooking, sewing, spiritual development or other endeavors and discussions discussions) in several years.
I can simplify with all what you are saying. It is very hard when you have any form depression. Over the years I have been in & out of seeing many different Councillors. All my depression is linked with My Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome. I am on HRT. Which is great tablet. XxX
Thank you for mentioning treatment resistant depression. I just read a bit about it. I believe, for many reasons, that I have this. Going to follow up at my therapist appointment tomorrow.
It’s pretty much my depression scale. No enjoyment reading? Well, off to the doctors. ??♀️
Mine isn’t bad, and controlled by meds, but depression can make it hard to focus. And sometimes everything — even reading — seems like too much trouble.
I can still read but in shorter periods and I get through fewer pages. It can be too hard to concentrate or I can doze off.
Yes
Yes. Trouble doing anything because of it. Meditation helped me tremendously. Best of luck to you my friend!
I have depression, but it actually makes me feel good to read. It takes me out of my life, and into a good book where I don’t have to think.
When I get really depressed I don’t even want to read at all. Even mild depression causes me to not comprehend what I just read.
Yes, and I highly recommend this book which really helped! #lifesaver
Yes.
Yes..very hard to focus 🙁
I was too depressed. And I don’t feel like reading. I actually don’t feel doing anything
But now i feel I should have read during those times. I would have been back like a samurai from his sleep.
I have an illness and when I was first diagnosed when I was 17 I stopped doing practically everything … it was the worst time of my life , took me a long while to be able to pick up a book again ?
There are times when I can’t understand what I’m reading and end up reading it for a long period of time. Recently, I can’t finish a book and I decide to rest for awhile but i am eager to get back to reading again.
Same here. It’s like one is unable to focus. In my case, all I end up doing is sleeping. It’s so frustrating.
It’s super bad when I can’t read, practically catatonic. I writh around in emotional, spiritual and physical pain on my bed. Thank God I’m not there.
Yes
i sort of get depressed if i can’t read
Yes ?
Yes, I do. But some days are worse then the others. Right now isn’t not bothering me. I suffer from Bipolar II so I hope it leaves me alone longer.
Yes. It effects everything I do. 🙁 Including the fun stuff that I want to do. Reading being one of them.
Yes
I understand. Our whole family suffers from brain chemistry deficiencies. You are not alone. ???
No I find that reading is what I use when I’m depressed .
YES
Yes. My concentration is not what it used to be, due to depression and anxiety and other reasons. I got help from my doctor and I would kindly recommend that you speak to someone professional. Someone who can give you real advice. However, we are here for your book related, social scene. ?