Anxiety, brain injury or ADHD?

[elliebee2]

Hello all,
I'm 29 & I had a brain injury in 2002. An Arteriovenous Malformation. That was almost 20 years ago now, and my memory, concentration, and focus haven't gotten much better since then. I was first diagnosed with anxiety and depression & I feel like I'm not depressed anymore (yay) but I'm so anxious most of the time now. I feel a little bit silly questioning this as I don't want to self-diagnose. I have been to a doctor, gotten a referral letter to a psychiatrist. But on the way out, I was meant to stop at reception & ask them to fax the letter... but forgot. I understand people forget things from time to time but my head feels foggy 95% of the time. The reason why I never questioned anything before, was that I just put everything down to depression and the AVM. It's hard to explain but I get sad now but it's more situational. Not sure if this is "typical" but I don't want to continuously forget things, I want to be able to focus on what people are saying to me, I'd like to get things done even if they aren't interesting to me... I have all or nothing emotions like if I'm happy/sad/angry about something it's hard for me to let go, in jobs or education I act like I'm receiving info being given but it's in one ear out the other, overstimulation in loud places, spending a bit too much, I forget important appointments unless it is written on my hand, I have trouble sleeping for periods. I can only work for short periods of time, because of fatigue but I just don't know if I'm overthinking this

[Sophie_M]

Hi elliebee2,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing your story with us here.

We are sorry to hear that things have been so difficult for you recently. While we are glad to hear that you no longer feel depressed, we are also sorry to hear that you have been feeling so anxious. We understand how confusing this time can be, so we would like to remind you that you never have to go through this alone, and support is always here for you.

If you would like to talk to someone, the Beyond Blue Support Service is available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 1pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport  One of our friendly counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings with you and can offer support, advice and referrals.

We hope that you will find some comfort here on the forums. Please feel free to keep reaching out here on your thread whenever you feel up to it.

[David35]

I'll reply by sharing my own experiences and see if that helps. I had a frontal lobe brain injury about 25 years ago (I'm now 44). I had this "brain fog" too and still get it now and then. My own view is that it is your mind trying to figure stuff out to do with your life, and that's why i became a bit absent-minded at times. I was so preoccupied with my own problems (trying to find a job, deal with depression, etc.) that it was hard to live day by day. I sometimes found talking to people you can trust may help. Sort of "getting a load off your mind".