I get distracted easily, especially if I'm dealing with a lot of stress. I've joked for years that I had some weird form of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but as it turns out, there have been a number of studies showing that there is a link between ADHD and conditions like Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. And when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense.
Disrupted Sleep
Let's face it: when you don't sleep well at night--or sleep well consistently--it impacts the ability to concentrate and focus on tasks. And Chronic Pain Warriors are notorious for disrupted sleep. Since we have disrupted sleep, our ability to concentrate and focus on tasks can decrease, and the more the sleep is disrupted, the more challenges we have.
Increased Sensitivity to External Stimuli
Working in mental health, I've worked with kids who deal with ADHD, and I once heard a description that I think describes the experience perfectly: Sitting in a classroom, trying to focus on the task in front of the student, but the brain keeps picking up on things like the ticking clock or the rustling of papers and it makes it difficult to focus on what the teacher is saying.
Those of us with conditions such as Fibromyalgia have an increased sensitivity to sounds, smells, and other external stimuli. So, the ticking of the clock can be extremely distracting (and potentially irritating). In times of increased stress, our sensitivity can increase, making our ability to focus even more challenging.
Increased Fatigue
This is also linked to problems sleeping, but living in a body that is in constant pain is fatiguing. When the body--and brain--are fatigued, the ability to concentrate and focus on tasks becomes more challenging.
Co-morbid Conditions
First, "co-morbid conditions" means other conditions that tend to exist in addition to the "main disorder". For instance, for individuals with Fibromyalgia, it's not uncommon to also develop conditions such as Reynaud's Syndrome, Hypoglycemia, or Migraine.
Using these three as examples, if you're dealing with poor circulation in your extremities, such as in the case of Reynaud's, it's going to be difficult to focus on things when your hands and feet feel as if they're freezing off. Or in the case of a Hypoglycemic moment (low blood sugar), the ability to focus can fly out the window. And Migraine? Well, anyone who has experienced the nausea, light sensitivity, and feeling of inexplicable pain in the head can tell you how hard it is to focus when one of those things hit.
While I was writing this post, I found myself distracted a number of times by the cars driving by outside, the sound of the A/C clicking on, the show on the television, my phone, more cars driving by, by a piece of paper on the front lawn, by my dog dreaming on the floor, by the headache that's starting to form because of this cold that I've caught....
The list can go on and on. In times of higher stress (physical, mental, and/or emotional), my ADHD is worse. It can be exhausting, working to focus on tasks, particularly if I find myself getting distracted easily. My husband has learned that if he wants to talk to me about something, he has to make sure he has my full attention before starting the conversation. It's not uncommon for me to become distracted by my own thoughts while I'm having a conversation with someone. It's definitely worse when I'm having more stress or pain.
The biggest lesson that this has taught me is that I need to slow down, focus on one thing at a time, and be gentle with myself when I'm more distracted. I've learned to laugh it off at times, despite the fact that in a world that moves 100 miles an hour, it's not the easiest thing to do. It takes time, practice, and patience.
Be gentle with yourself today. Wishing you low pain, high energy, and laughter.
Definitions of Medical Conditions Listed in My Medical Chart
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