can't remember nor focus

[tsby]

I am a 61 year old male who has always had problems with fear. I don't think it has gotten worse with age. Any time I have a problem, I immediately think all these negative thoughts. I need to work to pay my bills but I can't hold a job. I was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and some ADD. I have such a huge problem remembering things and I am painfully handicapped with this fear emotion. I have a huge problem focusing, too. Many of the simple job tasks I have problems where most others don't. It makes me feel stupid and dumb and embarressed and scared and helpless. I don't know if it matters now at my age. Anybody offer any encouragement?

Thanks

[JSGeare]

Yeah, I've got words of encouragement. I am a 60 year old (almost, anyway) man who used to have the anxiety and panic from age 5 until my late 40's, and now I am fully recovered. Haven't had it, don't expect it back ever again. So, it CAN be done.

Oh, and that forgetfulness and job thing? Yeah, I had that.

But here's something about yourself you may not know: You write clearly and carefully and well. If you can get yourself to therapy -DO it.

OK, where do we go from here?

[lonewolf07]

It sounds like fear has taken over your life.  Have you ever thought that you have difficulties focusing or doing "simple jobs" that you might bored?

I have a lot of difficulties remembering things too so I contacted the Alzheimer's Society but the bad memory is stress related.

You seem like an articulate person.  Therapy might be helpful and it couldn't hurt.

Einstein used to forget everything that wasn't relevant to his work  = )

wolf

[cnote]

Have you tried talking to a psychiatrist or any therapy about this? It's never too late. It's all about the way you think. And my psychiatrist helped me change the way I think. Help is out there. I know you will be just fine. =) Hang in there. Welcome to the club.

-Chris-