Apologies if this is the wrong sub for this.
I used to read lots, and I still love reading. But recently I’ve found that I’m struggling to read due to negative emotions resulting from my depression and anxiety. Like, when everything is quiet and my brain needs to focus, it just can’t, all that’s there is the pain and the worries. So I’ve been resorting to other, more engaging but less satisfying hobbies to distract myself, like going out somewhere, eating food or playing video games or whatever. These things are distracting me from my emotions but they’re also not satisfying or rewarding in the same way as reading a good book.
Does anyone who has experienced similar things have any advice for me to keep reading despite my current mental health?
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I find putting on music or changing up the playlist I’m listening to helps me get interested in reading if I have a story I’m to tired or depressed to start.
Yes! Try middlegrade. Depression and anxiety have been part of my life for decades. Middlegrade has especially helped me as an adult still read a great story but it’s typically not too dark. I feel like it helps my inner child read, which helps my anxiety feel not so heavy.
You are not alone, I am struggling with both depression and anxiety (+ other things) and I started reading again by reading short horror stories (I love horror). Right now I am reading a self-help book to treat trauma and/or addiction, not many pages in but the fact that I identify with the things it says makes reading it easier
Ah, I can understand this so well, I’ve been through it 🥹🫶 antidepressants helped me get rid of most of my thoughts but I still had trouble going back to reading, because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to concentrate due to the overwhelming thoughts. However, I gave it a chance and what got me back on track was Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara. It might not work for you but it’s the story that kept me focused and helped me find again my passion for reading. And heck, I am fully aware how easy is to distract yourself with games.
Though I’m in kind of a similar spot, audiobooks have helped me in the past. I’d still be going out for a coffee while listening to a book, and that would help. Also, like other said, rereading books and going for lighter stuff helps a lot.
I like to have calm classical/instrumental music on in the background. Spotify has a lot of great premade playlists.
I think a useful thing to remember is that reading is still reading, no matter the length. Comics, short stories, articles, reddit threads, etc. It all counts. Use those to start building your self confidence again
I have an e-reader for when my mental health isnt the best.
I always have a hard time keeping my attention on a book when I’m stressed. But my brains been hardwired to pick up and scroll when I’m sad so the e-reader is a good place to put that urge.
Even when I can’t pick up a book I can usually put a device in my hand and read for a little while.
Tell a doctor you’re feeling this way, especially if you’re having other symptoms.
Might seem counterintuitive, but have you tried reading horror? For some people, the preexisting feelings of depression and anxiety can meld with the feel of the book in a way that makes them easier to handle.
audiobooks are what works for me, and then I’ll read when I’m feeling more calm.
Do you listen to music while you read? I’ve recently started doing this because I’m easily distracted while reading, whether it’s something in the background or just thoughts. I just started listening to a playlist of lofi music. Or I can also do it with songs I love, but have heard hundreds of times
Try short stories or magazines
I switch it up. Switch genres. Switch formats. Audiobooks are great when I’m in a funk. Or I’ll get out an old nostalgic favorite like Babysitters Club. No one says adults need to only read adult books, I always say. 🤣😂 And if you just want to play video games for awhile that’s fine too. Nothing wrong with taking a break from reading.
Just read 1 page a day.