[CopeWithLife]

When I read I start getting headaches and become frustrated. My Mind goes Completely Blank. Then I get angry with myself. I know there Must Be Some Easier way to Deal With This Frustration.

[kp42484]

Hi,

Have you seen a doctor? Perhaps an optometrist? Maybe you need glasses for reading. Or, do you have a learning disability? I am not saying you do, but some people with reading comprehension problems tend to get headaches when they try too hard or get frustrated.

Until you see a doctor, perhaps stepping away from what you are reading for a few minutes and slowly breathing in and out deeply can relax you. Try to think of something else and that it is not your fault. Take a short walk; count to ten.

Some people visualize their success at what they're doing; for instance, after your break, sit down with what you were reading and visualize you reading the whole thing. Visualize how happy you are when you finish and visualize some people close to you praising you on a job well done. Tell yourself you will not get frustrated, you will not blame yourself.

Hope this helps

[valinors_sorrow]

This could really benefit by a little "thinking outside the box" investigation... such as can your read well enough here? Can you read cereal boxes? Does this same effect happen the same way always or does it vary in degrees or in any way really? Can you sort out it being a physical thing (would be the same all the time, I would suspect) from a mental thing (which might vary considerably). I know that once I get a "thing" on something it can be hard to work past it, so I wonder if you have done the same... where your negative anticipation is driving it more than anything else? I would advise more investigation on your part. Good luck!

[J_9]

These are both good points. I would like to add to one of the "thinking outside of the box" points. Try buying a colored sheet of plastic, they have them at the bookstores, red is usually best, and placing it over the page you are reading. Many people with vision or "reading" disabilities find this soothing to the eyes and, surprise, no more headaches and easier to concentrate.

We have several people who use this technique at the college I go to.

[fredg]

Hi,
You have some good answers.
I would just like to add that this is one of the symptoms of needing glasses.
Do you wear reading glasses or any other kind?
I started wearing reading glasses, only when I wanted to read, many years ago.
Please see a Doctor or an eye doctor, for a checkup. I do wish you the best, and good luck.