Tuning out | ADHD Information
Before medication and when my medication starts to wear off, I have a problem with filtering. If there is too much going on at work, I am easily distracted. I have been interupted by my boss many times when focused on my job and he has told me something and I acknowledge him but have no idea what he just said. If I really need to concentrate - I have some tricks I use to help filter things out.
Reading is always a challenge - my daughter likes me to read to her, but my mind drifts and I will repeat a sentence or loose where I am at. Trick here - I let her read to me!!
I find that I am unable to "tune out" any background noise, especially speech. I work in a cubicle, (and have very good hearing), and I hear every conversation that takes place around me. They used to play a radio station for the whole office, and I got them to turn it off, because I could not tune it out. I have to pay attention to every word of every song, every commercial. Is this an ADD thing?I'm the same way with written words, too. I read every sign, advertisement, product logo... and I can almost feel my brain trying to store all that unnecessary information.
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Thanks. I know how you feel about "just ignore it"! If I could ignore it, it wouldn't be a problem!! Do people think we didn't think of that? Glad to know the meds will help some. I moved to a different desk at work which cut down on some of the distraction. I can't wear earphones at work because I have to answer so many calls.
ribbon that is a very familiar topic. When someone directly told me something it would evaporate but I'd absorb every trivial noise if not specifically meant for me. Great for jeapordy - not so much for work.
It's a common problem but meds do help. I used to be totally undone by little noises like background music or a fly in the room even. People would tell me to ignore it and I'd be very angry - it was like I was falling off a cliff and they were telling me to unfurl my wings and flap them. I couldn't get how they could think that "just ignoring" would work!
It takes practice even when the meds work but it can be done. It's nice - I don't get all uppity around other people now for the little chatter and other noises.
Do you all have a problem staying asleep if your house is too quiet at night?? I have to have a fan on or some soft noise going on to stay asleep once I go to sleep.That is amazing how people are so different. I have to have my radio on fairly loud to concentrate on driving or my mind wanders!!!
Reading is a challenge for me - I am a good reader, but I also get distracted easily. I usually have to hold my head in my hands and read. Sometimes people come in my office and ask if I have a headache - I don't.
I like lots of noise most of the time but when I don't want noise it makes my angry
If someone wants to talk to me I have to have it completely quiet and void of any distractions (Like flies as Glen said) otherwise I'll just nod my head and get impatient for them to stop talking so I can turn my attention to whatever else is going on.
This drives my husband nuts 
Don't know why he just doesn't turn the telly off or wait until Amelia has gone to bed. He knows what I'm like but he has the "just concentrate" attitude.
If only it were that easy 