Need reassurance the clouds will pass

[Blurry]

For those, if any, who have had fuzzy cloudy brain 24/7 does it ever leave? Since my first symptoms of anxiety I have had this brain fog, I feel as though I'm drunk every minute of the day.

I was made redundant from a job I loved 6 months ago. Since then I had trouble finding work and had money worries. 2 months ago I went for a job interview and threw up before I left the house as I was so nervous, very out of the ordinary for me. I got the job, but 2 days later I woke with heart palpitations, nausea and dizziness. At first I thought it was a deficiency or virus but after many tests everything has come back clear. As these symptoms continued I worked on and off, some days were managable and I could get through work. But I have had the last 2 weeks off as I'm too sick to even drive most days. A week ago I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression (The depression I believe this is a result of being sick the last two months). I started on meds and feel overall I am improving. I have my appetite back and feel I am coping better day to day.

But the one thing that has stuck around is the brain fog. Every minute of every day it is there. I feel like my mind races most of the day, but even when relaxed it doesn't ease. I am quite active and feel it's stopping me from getting out. I can't even read a book as I don't have the concentration. Is there anyone who has experienced this and does it ever clear?

[MarkJT]

Blurry, welcome to the forums and well done for posting. It is a very supportive place this so welcome again.

Yes, the brain fog does eventually leave. I was diagnosed with PTSD, depression and anxiety in 2013 after a decade of symptoms, including the brain fog. After many psych sessions (continuing), treatment, exercise, diet changes, mindfulness practice and meds, it now is non existent with me.

I will say though that my concentration is not what it used to be. It has been very slow to improve back to what it once was. I also have trouble reading books, although i can get through them if I engage with it, i.e. i am fully interested in it.

Are you currently seeing the psych? I note that you are on meds so where they prescribed by the GP or a psych? You have to make sure that you don't sit back and think because you are on the improve that meds are all that you need. I would encourage you to look at your diet and make any improvements you can, slow down any alcohol usage, exercise and practice mindfulness. If you are still seeing a psych, great, keep that going. My appointments are now 3 mths apart whereas they were once twice weekly.

Hopefully i hear back from you so we can help guide you through your journey.

You can get back to a fully functioning person, you just need time.

Mark.

[Blurry]

Hi Mark,

the meds were prescribed by my GP. After reading a few posts on here it has encouraged me to see a Psych, as I wasn't already.

I am watching my diet, most days I'm going for a walk or riding my bike and I haven't had alcohol this year. I've kept up my hobbies when I'm well enough, gardening and sewing. So I'm sure you can see why I'm so frustrated. I feel like I'm doing the right things but I feel like my brain is constantly fried

[Doolhof]

Hi Blurry,

I too welcome you to the forum! Seeing a psychologist may be very beneficial to you. For me, when seeing a psychologist, I need to be honest with them and explain how I am feeling and what I am experiencing as they are not mind readers and won't know how to help me unless I open up to them.

Brain fog can be a bother. Have you tried deep breathing exercises, counting from 100 to 0, closing your eyes and trying to visualise a peaceful place? Mark has mentioned many helpful strategies as well.

When trying to read, maybe try for a few pages or a chapter of a book, not a whole session of reading for ages.

Aiming for smaller achievements helps me. If I am having a rough day I will congratulate myself for pruning the daisy bush and tell myself the rest of the garden can wait.

An author called Bev Aisbett has written some very easy to read books on depression and anxiety. She has comic pictures all through her books as well that are extremely descriptive in themselves.

I find that fighting my brain just makes me feel worse about it all. It is hard to accept things when they don't work well, but it sure beats trying to fight it all the time!

Cheers for now from Dools

[Blurry]

Thanks for your reply Dools.

I will look into breathing techniques. I find I never get a break from the fog, even when I'm distracted like riding my bike.

Ive found reading the hardest as I'm not absorbing the information if that makes sense.

Thanks for the advice

[MarkJT]

Blurry, yep can understand where you are coming from. It's great that you are doing all things that you are - giving yourself the best chance that is for sure.

Have you tried mindfulness? I find it very good to get myself back on point. If i feel my concentration slipping at work, i take a couple of minutes time out and practice some mindfulness. I find that it works pretty well, not all the time, but enough for me to continue to do it.

Mindfulness is a learned skill so persist with it if you do give it a go.

Mark.