Can’t read!!!!

[Iloveburgerswaymorethanishould]

For as long as I can remember I’ve read about 2-3 books a week… sometimes more than one on the go at once. Lately though I’ve developed what I’m calling “readers block”. I can’t concentrate on one. I’m even skim reading newspapers. I have follow on books from series’. I was bought one by my partner the other week.. not even opened it. I used to go to the “donation price books” in the supermarket and scour charity shops, looking for them. I’m just not interested. Any suggestions on why? Or what I can do?? I miss my books!!!!
Im not stressed or depressed. I haven’t been poorly and not much has changed with my own illness/life/work. I am possibly in perimenopause.. Help!!!

Ps. Posted here as I don’t know where else to post it.

I was going to say depression and anxiety. I have had periods in my life when I just couldn’t read. I couldn’t get my mind to focus and take in the information. I’d stare at the page but nothing would go in.

How about going through your favourite books, picking out favourite passages, and reading those passages out loud? I find this wonderfully therapeutic. And it might just help get you back into the swing of reading. I’d focus on the most joyful, uplifting writers (i.e Dickens and Jane Austen rather than Thomas Hardy or Philip Larkin!). For me, P G Wodehouse, Douglas Adams, Bill Bryson and Patrick Fermor hit the spot. By focussing on favourite passages, rather than reading an entire book, you don’t feel the same pressure.

Or you could surround yourself with your favourite books, and dip in at random, reading a page here, a chapter there, and chucking each one aside when you’re bored. Like most things in life, the best way is build slowly.

Too much scrolling?
Anxiety for me definitely.
I too suggest you go back and reread something that you really love.

If you think it's the Peri have you spoken to your GP? Not about your inability to read obviously but how you're feeling generally?

You need a gateway read. I always go for a trashy thriller, or back to Anne of green gables for a bit. Or a Stephen king I haven't read.

Audio books while doing housework too; it's still long form narrative and will get you going.

I came on to say Audiobooks. I still prefer the act of reading with a book but it's rare I get the chance to (she says scrolling when she could be reading)

I have now become a huge audiobook fan. As a Pp said, you can take them everywhere with you.

Find something that you would otherwise like to read and you get your first free book on audible. I have it to go to sleep, on my headphones on the way to work and when doing housework.

Of course it's not actual reading but it might be the gateway to get you back in.

Thankyou!!! I’ll have a look at audiobooks!!!
I have seen the doctor about it and they did blood tests. They showed everything as normal. My cycle is normal but the mood swings are shocking, worst I’ve ever had them. I’m 41 but only have one ovary so was surprised at the results. I shall go back though and have another chat.
No depression or anxiety though I do have lupus and sometimes it does strange things to my body!!
A friend has suggested a book of short stories…. I love Foue seasons by Stephen king so might root that out and ready one or two from that.
Many many thanks!! I know it’s a relatively trivial issue to have in the grand scheme of life, but I’ve always used reading as an escape for life’s struggles!!!! Off to Google audio books and buy headphones!!!!

I do find that too much phone time does mean I struggle to concentrate on real books. I have to consciously unplug myself.

Too much screen time I think. Eyes get tired so it puts us off.

At 41 I realised I needed reading glasses and that helped. And also my kindle rather than a physical book meant I didn't need the lamp.on to read in bed. Also you can tweak the screen settings a bit to make it more comfortable to read.

And then choice of book. My reading taste changed around that time as well, I think I had read so much popular low brow fiction I needed something either really gripping or something more literary (but also gripping). Maybe try a different genre or author, get some recommendations on here, it's always been the most useful part of mn for me, and I've found some cracking recommendations.

I have a few kindles… might use that when I can’t sleep rather than scrolling. I’m not on any social media etc it’s mainly this bloody site and a couple of games I have. I enjoys a physical book now and then as I read in the bath….. I have re-read the whole Adrian mole series this year and a LOT of Martina Cole/Roberta Kray. Maybe I need to find a new genre.

Really good advice. The best way back is an easy read, maybe something you have enjoyed before, but of good enough quality to stand up to a second read.

When did you last have your eyes tested?
Also, as I've got older my night vision has got poorer, so I've now got a reading lamp, as well as a supportive chair so I don't slouch.

Reader, I am forty fucking four and was not expecting this shit until I was 70!

I'm also currently suffering with this!!! I almost have to force myself to sit down and read. Once I do, I'm back in the groove for a couple of hours but then I struggle to pick up again 😩

It's definitely phone time for me. I need to stop doom scrolling.

I had my eyes lasered a few years back. I do have macular degeneration in one eye so have to have them tested every 6 months. Last one showed I was heading towards needing reading glasses…. I just haven’t got the concentration span anymore. I’m the same with box sets or tv shows etc. I’m also totally crap at seeing a film through!!!

It could very well be the Macular Degeneration. I don't have that but I do have a similar macular problem.

Have you tried Variflocals or a Paperwhite Kindle (or in my case both).

Do you have dry eyes too?

Have you tried an audio book yet? I think they will help you to see if it's concentration or your eyesight.

The Flatshare and Yellowface are both free to listen to on BBC Sounds and shouldn't require too much concentration

I know it’s a relatively trivial issue to have in the grand scheme of life

Not at all! If you have always been a reader, not being able to read anymore is a massive loss.

Hi Op

I feel that there is an extra stress/worry for you either re your health/family or something happening next door. There is something going on. Or it could be something that happened recently you cant get out of your mind, not really a worry but a niggle. Possibly, you've thought you are wasting your life away reading so many books, but I doubt this but something to consider!!

OP - I hope my comments help you rule in;out possibilities and I hope you are not offended!!

take care!!

Well, of course the internet is killing our attention span. When you "can't concentrate," to you start growing online?

Maybe try something short and lively?

When I'm spending all my time on my phone and not reading, I trick myself using free eBooks from the local library on my phone. It only takes a second's determination to open up Libby or Borrowbox instead of some mindless app, and then without really noticing it I'm reading a book instead of a feed. I usually can't help getting drawn in, and it reminds me that I love reading books. I'm then more likely to read a book on paper or on my Kobo. Or another book on my phone. Might work for you, might not, but free library ebooks make it low-stakes at least.

I'm going to suggest an eye test and taking magnesium in case you are slightly anxious/ wound up. In the meantime give audio books a go.

So, I’ve ordered headphones for my audiable…. And started reading “The Illustrated Man” (loved reading it at school). Thinking reading some short stories could well engage me again. Thankyou all for the suggestions!!!

i found my way back reading some light comedy. The PG Wodehouse books were ideal - short, easy to read and so funny that I couldn’t wait to pick up the book to carry on reading.

You are 100% spot on. I’m seeing someone this week to discuss how I’m feeling and see what they can offer/suggest. It’s like a numbness in my emotions that I can’t control. Don’t particularly feel happy/sad/angry/excited about a single thing in my life. Really like I’ve been switched off. Hopefully it’s just a phase…I love reading, always have. It’s my escapism from life….. now I’m struggling to read, I feel like I don’t have that outlet, if that makes sense!?

Do have dry eyes. I have Sjögren’s syndrome. It’s even worse in summer as hayfever makes my eyes run, then they crust up. Last check on my eyes showed the MD had not progressed since hydroxychloroquine had been stopped. I basically had a choice, keep taking the tablets and probably end up blind or not take them and deal with my lupus symptoms myself. So I stopped them, adopted a bit of healthy eating, swimming drinking more water etc. Keeping as active as possible. Seems to be working!!! I’m managing to work again which I hadn’t been able to for years, I don’t need as much pain relief as before. I also try to get as much sleep as possible… I’ve been known to go up at 6:30-7pm when I put my 5 year old up. Not much of a life sometimes but it keeps me going in the long run…. Another reason why reading is such a big part of my life. I’m usually too tired to do anything else!!

Maybe it’s time for something different, you are changing, so your interests are changing too. Try reading something completely different to what you would normally read.

Just little bits.

I know when I’m going though a stressful time, I can’t even read a magazine as I think it’s a waste of time. I’m sure this happens everyone at different stages of their life, try audiobooks or podcasts for now as they are easier on you.

Good luck x