I honestly think this is one of the bigger problems with people who "can't do math", probably most people can learn quite a bit of (at least basic) mathematics. But oftentimes when you did not understand the subject well previously, like in high school because of different interests at the time or a bad teacher or something. And then because of this whenever you see an equation or hear the word 'mathematics' you just shut off your brain. I know some people who can understand me when I explain some physics or mathematics concept without explicit mathematics, but they would be scared off at the first equation.
I have to agree with this, and recently I have stopped listening to music on my bike ride commute. It makes me think about things and give me the ability to actually progress on thoughts. I feel like this is more and more becoming something you have to actively do, with the easy distractions of social media and alike.