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?
by nonbog
26 Comments
I feel you <3
Start with the book version of something whose tv/movie adaptation you’ve watched, it’ll be easier to get into because you don’t have to register new names, but it’ll be a fresh experience because of how much more is in the original book. Or reread a childhood favorite.
This helped me get back into reading (I went for Harry Potter and ASOIAF).
I’m sorry you’re going through that. I’ve read some recommendations when I was going through something similar over the pandemic. I went months without reading. One recommendation is to try short stories because they don’t feel as overwhelming to get through. The other is to read an old favourite – it can be comforting and there isn’t pressure to finish if you’re not in the right headspace.
Weirdly something that really helped me get out of my funk was getting into horror – something about the unsettling fear sparked interest and emotions for me.
The novels of PG Wodehouse.
And ask your doctor about anti-anxiety medication. That shit works.
Remember, one of the common symptoms of depression is not asking for the help one clearly needs. You have to decide to ask and then do it. Good luck.
I’m struggling with anxiety and depression too, and here’s what’s working for me: don’t pick something long and dense, right now I’m having better luck with shorter, lighter books to read. Change the setting, if you keep getting distracted when reading on your couch or in your bedroom, go somewhere else and read. I read when I’m at the laundromat, or I bring my book to the bar. Something about going somewhere else helps me focus better. Hope you find something that works for you.
take the book out to a nature setting like a forest or hike trail, and read out in the open air.
Harry Potter helped me early on. Since then, I’ve got on meds and love to read cozy mysteries
Yes I had a similar experience, what I did was to just read easier AND shorter books in a series. Finishing them gave me a much needed sense of accomplishment and a series meant that I was already comfortable with the characters and could just read the next one. You might have a favourite childhood series that you haven’t read all the books of/could reread for an example.
In addition to that I made a playlist with different ambient sounds to calm me while reading for an example forest, underwater, at a coffee shop, etc.
After a while I could increase the volume/difficulty of the book and then it was back to normal and while I was still depressed, I was in a much better place.
Above all, don’t stress yourself out! You need some time to heal and it’s a normal and very common thing that you can’t focus as well as you could right now, don’t rush yourself.
I feel this so much. I find because reading means i am doing literally nothing else, when i know i have shit to do the guilt prevents me from settling down to read, and there is always ALWAYS shit to do, lol. And then often when i do try, i can’t focus, or i drop the book halfway through and never pick it back up. But i have some strategies i have been using recently that i have evolved into A Plan, shared below. It may or may not be useful to you, but take anything that helps and ignore the rest.
First step, try listening to the audiobook(s) of a series or book you’ve already read before. Because it’s familiar you won’t have to focus totally on catching every word like a brand new audiobook would require. You can therefore listen while doing more productive things like chores or going for a walk, or when your anxiety is really bad, playing a simple game of tetris can help. This could really be paired with anything though, knitting, painting figurines, sheep shearing, but productive boring chores will give the best mental health chain bonus, lol. The idea is to fill your mind and your hands at the same time to get yourself moving out of stuck/ overwhelmed mode. Plus i find hearing the story aloud gives it a different rhythm so it feels fresh again even if i know it in print really well, so it’s an inherently interesting experience.
Once you’re back in the groove of the story and find you can’t wait to continue listening, try switching to the print version for a chapter or two. But make it a big deal for yourself, like curl up nice and cosy with tea and snacks so it feels like a really special treat. Then go back to using the audio version for your “normal” routine around chores etc. Keep switching back and forth for longer times until you build up to the right amount of cosy physical book time that suits your desired reading schedule and habits. Maybe your ultimate goal is that you want to read for an hour at night, or three hours on a Sunday afternoon, or fifteen minutes waiting for the bus every morning. Whatever it is, practice for shorter limited bursts in that exact place and time so the doing of it becomes familiar, and plan to pair it with as many pleasant sensations (touch/ scent/ taste) as you can. Slowly increase the time you allow yourself there until it fits your schedule.
This is also a good time to start working on your to-read list! It can be super hard to flow from one book/ series to the next when there are so many options to choose from as depressed anxiety brain may not like making complex decisions on the spot, so planning ahead may help you keep up your habit once established. Well before you finish your current read, assemble a list of books or series you might want to read next. It can be good to do a palate cleanser in between larger commitments, maybe a standalone book instead of a series, or a totally different genre to your usual taste, or do one nonfiction before going back to fiction, but it’s not a big deal if you just want more of the same. As you get closer to finishing your current read, try to pick out the top 3-5 options that appeal to you most right now. Then when you finish, immediately read the first chapter of each option and pick your next read from there. If you pick something you later find you hate, go back pick something else from your list of options. The idea is to not fall into the quagmire of not having a book ready to read so you stop reading because picking a book to read out of every possible book ever is a very different depressed brain challenge vs picking most appealing book right now of a short list curated by past you.
Final step is to start reading a new physical book that you only read during your designated cosy time. You can try finding podcasts or YT videos about the last book you read to become your audio companion during chore time, if the audio version of your current read isn’t affordable. Or, elite tier, listen to a different book so you have two always on the go! Maybe fiction is your cosy thing and nonfiction is your chore thing, or vice-versa. Regardless, by that point, you will be the master of the book life, whatever that looks like for you.
Happy reading!
Right up my alley!
Okay so when my depression got really bad, I remember almost crying because it took away my love of reading. I hated it because reading was one of my greatest pleasures and I felt like even that was taken away and it made me even more depressed!
The things that got me to fall back in love with reading:
1. I started rereading some of my favourite books over and over again. Not just that, I started rereading favourite chapters from books over and over again. I think I read Perks of Being a Wallflower like five times in a year. I also read the first chapter of Slaughterhouse Five like ten times. Nothing was new, but I was still proud of myself for staying focused as best as I could!
2. I read the easiest YA novels out there and I had absolutely no shame about it. I normally like to read more complex books, like my favourite authors are Ian McEwan and Kazuo Ishiguro, but you bet your ass I was reading all of John Green’s book during that time and I’m so grateful for their simplicity and have such an appreciation for them as well! There was one book Turtles All the Way Down that was just such a lovely ready and the main character was horrible and annoying but so relatable (weirdly enough it was comforting).
3. Get an audiobook going. I’ll be honest, I stopped audiobooks now that my depression is a bit more under control, but for a while, they brought so much comfort. I tuned in and out sometimes, but I loved having familiar novels read out loud to me while I was miserable and just completely apathetic. I don’t think it’s the same as reading, but when you’re severely depressed you take what you can handle I guess.
Anyways, overall I think these things really helped me a lot and made me feel so much better! I’m back to reading everything under the sun and sometimes when I feel the depression creeping in I pick up a Matt Haig book. He has this book called “The Comfort Book” and it got me through some dark times. If you want, I’m
happy to ship you my copy, send me a DM!
Depression is horrible and I am so sorry you are going through it. I don’t know what to say to make it better cause words never helped me, but time helped a lot. I hope you know how important it is to keep going, and just know there is so much kindness out there too! When I look back at my worst period, I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness and love.
Sometimes when my anxiety is at an all time high, I return to an old favourite book. There’s something comforting in re-reading a book as you are coming back to characters you love and you know what is going to happen plot wise so there’s no need to really focus. Other times, I use audiobooks while I colour or do a puzzle if I feel like I want to take in a story while keeping my hands busy to get rid of some nervous energy.
Read self-indulgent stuff. Fanfiction, webnovels, manga etc. Stuff where you know you’re going to read something that will cater to your tastes above everything else.
For original works, aim for fluffy romances and teen or even childhood reads. Fairytales and folklore are good options.
My mental health has been a bit shit, and with winter coming it’s definitely going to get worse. I use reading to help because its definitely one of the main things that shuts my brain up.
I’ve been reading a lot more YA and really easy to read fantasy. Plus a bit of romantasy. Nothing that’s going to challenge my brain, just something to be an escape and to make me feel feelings.
I know how you’re feeling. One thing I do is to read with music as it helps me to quiet my brain.
I listen to playlist on YouTube of music I don’t know and English (not my first language) so I don’t focus 100% into them. Also there’s good music in Japanese.
Hope this helps!
Switching to listening to audiobooks helps me when I’m in that situation! And I can do things like walk or do a puzzle while I listsn. I usually go for a more faced paced but still in the “real world” genre like thrillers to get me out of a slump.
Would you like audiobooks? I like listening to audiobooks from comedians. They get me laughing.
This is a big reason I got into reading romance books. There’s always a HEA and I can really get lost in the story. I prefer alien abduction/ sci-fi ones and it’s great. I still throw in non romance about once a month but I always go back to what makes me feel good. I do kindle unlimited so my avid reading doesn’t break the bank.
“Audiobooks have the power to boost our moods and disrupt negative thinking patterns. Psychology Today notes that for ‘those of us prone to anxiety and depression…listening to someone else read aloud can help by replacing negative thoughts with something else.’”
Those of us with neurodivergent brains (from anxiety to ASD) usually focus better when we adjust the play speed to our processing. I am anywhere from 1.25-2.0 depending on the day/hour and narrator(s).
Some of my top favorites from different genres:
All the Lonely People – Mike Gayle
The Wayward Children Series – Seanan McGuire
The Heartbreak Bakery
The Flatshare
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
The Weight of Blood
Razorblade Tears
56 Days – Catherine Ryan Howard
The Hunting Party
Have you considered reading along with an audiobook? That extra stimulation might keep the depression/anxiety brain fuzz at bay.
In terms of reading choices, I always suggest short stories or re-reads of favorites to people who are stuck in a slump. The hardest part of getting back into a habit is starting and those can let you build up some momentum without the emotional pressure of digging into a big novel.
You might also consider reading something outside of your usual taste. A non-fiction book if you primarily read fiction, a pulpy detective novel of you like more high-brow fare. Anything that might let you carve some new paths in your brain.
I faced a similar problem, I’ll suggest reading something you are comfortable with. For example:
1. Re-reading something I’ve read before – like the Hunger Games series, I already know the ending and it’s a comfort read for me. At the same time, it gave the satisfaction of finishing a book.
2. Reading books on a topic I know about – like non-fiction history books around the Indian freedom struggle (I’m Indian) was both easy to read and engaging at the same time.
That might help break this cycle. All the best <3
To get back into the habit of reading I read shorter stories, and tried to get myself to read short amounts (a paragraph or page) so that reading didn’t feel like something to big for me to handle.
For some reason horror seems to help reduce my depression. I’m talking spooky atmospheric horror, rather than anything too unpleasant. Maybe because it’s because these stories rely on looking at things from a different perspective which then causes my brain to do likewise.
Echoing everyone’s suggestion to give audiobooks a try, for years I thought they just weren’t my thing but being able to listen while I do something mindless like running or washing dishes is a huge help to avoid distraction. Don’t be afraid to mess with reading speeds as needed, it seems like a lot of people need to speed them up quite a bit.
Also consider listening to something ambient or classical or even just instrumental. For me that often helps to keep my brain juuuust occupied enough to avoid ruminating on everything but not so engaging that I get distracted and realize I have no idea what I read in the last 5 pages.
Good luck and I hope you stick with it and find something that works for you!
I am going through this too! Here are some things that helped me:
1. Start with rereading your favorites
2. Make sure you’ve read everything from your favorite authors
3. Read in public places (bonus points if it’s outdoors) where your brain can also pay attention to the people and stuff going on around you
4. Read books that inspired the movies and TV shows you liked
5. Listen to audiobooks while working out/cleaning/showering/cooking/etc. This got me into so many books that were parts of huge series I could then easily dive into!
I wish you the best and hope you feel remarkably better incredibly soon!
When I get super depressed I steer away from fiction as it all seems completely trivial. I then try ti read non fiction that really
challenges me, (Brian Greene is a fave,) even if I only read five or ten pages at a time. I don’t recommend just trying to power through a book, doubtful you’d remember/retain/enjoy anything.
I also recommend reading about fiction, author memoirs and bios, literary critiques, or the english 101 nuts and bolts of what makes a narrative hold together and go somewhere. This is forbidden by many, but I also think reading summaries of stories, (that realistically you may never get to), can keep a spark of interest in books alive, any maybe briefly take you to a different place.
Short story collections are also pretty dope. Even the dorky enthusiasm of this sub is worthwhile reading when you’re ughh.
Audiobooks fixed this exact problem for me
Take it slowly and accept that you’re easing back into a hobby.
It took me nearly 8 months to read Howl’s Moving castle when I was getting back into the hobby, now I think I could clear in 2 weeks at the rate I read.
I also think routines and small lumps of reading help.
10-15 minutes isn’t hard to get.
If you can, keep a book close by at all times.
Yes, what you’re experiencing is very normal. Here are some things that worked for me in the past:
* Try rereading old favorites.
* Watch a movie or miniseries based on a book you like. It can be a good way to engage with book culture if you’re not ready to read.
* I love YA novels during a reading slump because they’re meant to grab your attention and be fully immersive. Graphic novels are also good for this.
* When you read, make a mini holiday of it. Find the coziest place in your house, whether it’s your couch or bed, and snuggle up with your favorite pillows and blankets. Try it on a non-work/school night so you can stay up late. 🙂
Best wishes for your mental health, and be kind to yourself.