SA means I can't listen to people

[Toomuchfear]

Help! I find conversations very difficult as I can't maintain attention on what another person is saying. My mind quickly wanders off (I think a heck of a lot) and I'm worried how I'm being perceived, if anyone will listen to me and if this person likes me. With all these thoughts going through my head, I find it difficult to maintain focus on what's being said.

I find my problems get worse in busy environments. For instance, if I'm sat in a pub or busy public place, I'm worried what that everyone is judging me. When I try to reply it comes across as awkward and aloof, I can feel judgement not just when I fail to listen, but when I speak. Any one know how to treat such a problem and keep the thoughts away?

 

[Hottie]

Hi Toomuchfear

Yes it can be very difficult for one to hold concentration. Have you tried guided meditation? This will make you try and focus on the track being played and it will also help clear you mind.
I personally find it difficult to concentrate on those tracks but i think i need to be very aware of my mind wondering. As soon as it starts to wander off in another dirction, notice yourself doing this and bring you attention right back. Concentration is about mind over matter. Be aware and bring it back...

Maybe you could also try focusing on something, like for example, count all the blue things in a room or concentrate on something such as your feet feeling grounded on the floor. If you conciously are aware of this, you will still hear the conversation but have you mind focused on something therefore it will not be so easy to be distracted.

So in a sum up...

....focus on something, listen to the conversation too, if you mind wanders, bring it straight back to whatever you are focusing on. It may sound a lil difficult to do but practising this will help. Do it wherever and whenever you can. Even try while watching the tele. Do you find it had to concentrate on only conversations, while you anxious or would this apply to the tele too? Also the meditation will help you with this...