I have a problem processing information - advice please?

Question

Okay, I sometimes (or most of the time) have a hard time processing information. When someone talks to me and starts talking about something, for example, philosophical, which could possibly be something of my interest, the big intellectual words mixed in with tons of information coming at one time, the way I see it, may be overhwealming for my brain? I'm not completely sure if I stated my experience correctly, but basically, when lots of information come at me all at once, I go in some sort of trance (I think) where I listen, but nothing sticks to my brain eventhough I want to. It's kind of like the expression "in one ear and out the other", only in this case, it's an involuntary problem.

The thought of this problem infuriates me, being that this is one of the main reasons why I'm convinced I won't get hired for a job, or if I was, I can't work at a restaurant because I'll forget things so quickly or I wouldn't comprehend quick enough, making it seem like I'm stupid, which I'm not.

This also applies to reading, which I also hate because I LOVE reading, and sometimes I have to read things a few times over to actually grasp what it means. For example, the phrase, "..proposed that philosophy should begin with a radical skepticism about the possibility of obtaining reliable knowledge" took me at least 5 times to figure out what it said, along with a few pauses to think about it.

For those who are more experienced with this situation in people, will I just grow out of this through experience? I am just 20 afterall, or is this a serious problem that I should consider getting therapy for?

Answer 1

You are very smart, because you've diagnosed your own problem, which is called hypo-arousal. It's a learning disability. I believe you can overcome this, with some professional help. Good luck.

Answer 2

I'm no mental health professional, but what I understand is that your cognitive processes are intact, but are not moving rapidly with respect to retention.
In my inexpert way, I would move first to isolate the problem.
Survey: I go into a trance, and I'm not listening to someone (not because I'm impolite, but just because it happens... i would never tune out my mom, for example.) Everything is recorded. I can answer questions about what was said as though I wasn't spacing out. I can be sleeping in class and answer a question when called upon.
"In one ear and out the other" indicates some form of distraction. A lack of focus. I know. That is a process problem, if you hear what is stated, but nothing happens.
If you are a drug user, stop using drugs. That's the easy answer.
If you have some other neurological impediment, carry a notebook.
If you are trying to be a server for a job, don't be afraid to use a pen and paper.
If you can't remember things, the notebook remembers for you.
Write things down. If it doesn't help you now, it might help you later.

Answer 3

you are still young, since you are aware of your problem at this age then i think you will find a way out of it. comprehension texts comes by practice, i mean, the more you read it ll be less likely for recurrence rate.
you can also get some professional help, at least to know what the borders and limits of your problem.
good luck

Answer 4

perhaps you should try taking some focusing medication
i tried some because in a certain time i had problems myself with focusing.......but u might have a problem that caused a mental blockage
maybe u should review ur relashionship with ur parents or ur gf