What could it be?

[Xila31]

Things are not well for me in general. I'm feeling mixed for many days now but this is a problem I've been having for a few months. At first I thought it was just me but now I am starting to worry and I'm thinking it may be a sign of something else going on but a sign no one would pay attention to. It seems like a silly thing but at this point I am worried.

When I answer the phone at work I am supposed to say "Good morning...." or "Good afternoon...." depending on time of day. Previously this had not been a problem. But starting about 6 months ago I started to have a problem. This is going to sound stupid. Randomly I would say "Good morning" in the afternoon or "Good afternoon" in the morning. It was random, happening not very often. But as time goes by it keeps happening more and more. When it happens I answer the phone and my mind goes completely blank. I know I'm supposed to talk and say something, but what that something is I can't find it in my head. Slowly I realize sort of what I'm supposed to say "Good something...." Then a time of day. Then the wrong time comes out. I have tried and tried not to do this and I am struggling. It is starting to worry me since it is happening more frequently as time goes on and I know it sounds stupid, but has anyone experienced anything like that at all?

[whitecat78]

usually when that happens to me its because i am bored and not focusing, usually daydreaming or sometimes when i am nervous.

[Xila31]

I actually don't have ADHD, but rapid cycling bipolar, especially during mania, mimics ADHD. That is one reason bipolar can go undiagnosed my doctor said. The difference is that I have grandios thinking, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts, and in the past I've had psychosis, which are not ADHD. :) So I know something is wrong in my bipolar I just have no idea what.

I guess I'm just fearful I'm slipping.

[skepticool]

Hi there...sorry to hear about your frustration. While I am nothing close to a dr-have you considered ADHD? I know I've shared symptoms similiar to those like you're describing. I was diagnosed w/ADD/ADHD and put on meds specific to that disorder. What an immediate difference they made! Talk to your doc...good luck, friend!

[Xila31]

It is company policy to answer the phone "Good morning (afternoon), Company name, this is Xila." >.> It's okay, though. I'm trying really hard not to do it. I don't know what causes it but it worries me.

[Plantlady8941]

Can you drop the Good morning and Good afternoon by saying "Hello, this is _________(company) my name is Xila, How may I help you?" unless designating Morning or afternoon is company policy.

[BP2PROFESSIONAL]

A repetitive thoughts yep know that one, its really distracting isn't it, I had it that bad at one stage last year I had trouble communicating at all.  Particularly writing things, by the time I'd finished writing a sentence 10 things had gone through my head.

Process, Process, Process you need something to anchor on someway, found that was the best for me.  That way you have something to hang on to as you move all about.  

So in other words, get a simple process down of what you do and repeat it, write it down and repeat it again.  When in doubt go back to the process.

For example write a script of bullet points of how you normally answer the phone.

Have one for AM and one for PM

Have it literally in front of when you are on the phone, that way if you get stuck you know where at least to look, to your script which is your process, it will tell you if you are AM or PM.

That way when your mind is racing and you are unsure unlike the other times where you don't even know what to think, ie. you draw a blank as you are so confused with all the thoughts and don't know to look at the clock on your phone.  Go to your script and simply read it, and it will give you a chance to collect your thoughts as you go.

Your script will be your anchor, hope it helps! :-)

[Xila31]

Yeah, I don't think they'll let me be Australian, although that would work possibly. I agree it must be my brain, except too fast instead of too slow. I have racing thoughts about 95% of the time it seems. Either on high speed or double high speed. I feel like I live inside of a radio where some one just keeps rolling the dial back and forth non-stop.....

[BP2PROFESSIONAL]

I'd putting it down to brain running slow and possible loss of short term memory, cause not sure! Possible Solution, try saying Good day if they'll let you.

Or you could go all Australian and say G'day, the reason why we do that is to save up the 'o's for other words in Australia like Wooloomooloo. LOL Just kidding I'm having a cheeky moment.

[Xila31]

Thanks, I don't think that's it. I do actually have a clock right on my screen all the time. :( But thanks for the advice.

[GettingOlder]

I've seen this happen when a person has some major life changes that have happened in their life or of a loved one. Perhaps keeping a clock in front of you would help you focus more when answering the phone? Best wishes!