Brain fog... Does anyone else have this that can discuss?

[Dark_Autumn]

Hello,

I am new here. I have had low to moderate level anxiety and depression for around 10 years now. I have had 2 children in the past 4 years. My youngest frequently wakes and has done for 17m now. She also has allergies. Recently I have been experiencing brain fog. I have not had this as a symptom before. I have been quite forgetful, exhausted and tired. A recent example...

I have always been a very empathetic / sympathetic sensitive friend. I have close friendships. A close friend recently told me her beautiful mother passed away from brain cancer. I read the message. Felt overwhelmed. Then promptly forgot. She messaged me wondering if I had changed my number as it was so unlike me.

Does anyone else suffer from this? Was it a depression thing or was it other things? Any things that have helped? I literally feel like a grey cloud is around my head weighing me down.

[SourceShield]

Hey DarkAutumn,

I have not experienced this on a personal level but within the PhD that I am doing - I have done extensive study and research into the goings on of the mind-body connection.

Memory loss may be due to many conditions such as small strokes in the brain, diabetes, high blood pressure, nutritional deficiencies, reactions to medications and alcoholism.

Even depression can cause symptoms similar to dementia.

Memory loss itself does not mean you have dementia.

A comprehensive evaluation can help you understand the factors or conditions causing your memory loss.

Memory loss has long been recognized as an inevitable part of aging.

Everyone experiences a "senior moment" — the inability to recall the name of an acquaintance or the items on a shopping list.

With age, these memory lapses become more common.

But a sharp decline in short-term memory could be more than normal "forgetfulness".

It could be a symptom of a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

People with MCI tend to retain critical thinking and reasoning skills but experience a significant short-term memory loss.

They may experience trouble remembering the names of people they meet or the flow of a conversation.

They also may have an increased tendency to misplace things.

They may rely more on a calendar, notes and lists but still manage their daily activities.

Mild cognitive impairment may be a signal of a more serious condition on the horizon.

It is believed to be a transitional disease between the normal memory loss of aging and conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

MCI has been associated with a higher-than-normal risk of dementia but not all MCI patients develop it.

What we could also be looking at is, as you've described when you read the text, and FELT overwhelmed..that could be the neo-cortex, which is the EMPATHY-NETWORK in the brain, "shorting" out on you for a moment...because, you've still got some 'healing' to do...in regards to your condition.

Irrespective of all this, to be frank, you need to speak to your GP about this asap.

This is good that youve recognised this at this stage, so go for a check-up.

Depression, and anxiety, really do ravage the brain and the way it functions, and things like, noticeable memory loss, must be addressed as soon as you notice it!.

Which you now have.

Is that a possibility for you, to go see the GP?

MuchLove

Mr Shield.

[geoff]

hello Dark Autumn, brain fog, well let's start with your lack of sleep, you're tired and exhausted and aren't able to focus on what's going on, that's why people have to read a story several times because their brain is unable to comprehend what the story is actually telling you, it's no different when someone tells you something you aren't able to focus directly on what they have told you, a lack of concentration because your mind is somewhere else, in other words you are thinking about something else while someone is telling you something else.
You want your doctor to find a cure for your child who has these allergies, that's your priority, but to be waken up every night not only makes you half listen to what has been said, but it will make you forget items you need when you go shopping, so it's a catch-22. Geoff.

[blondguy]

Hello Dark Autumn

Geoff has hit the mark with lack of sleep.

Repetitive low quality sleeps do have a profound effect on our brain and our ability to process/retain information.

Another way of looking at brain fog is having a 'tired mind'. Like our bodies our brain can be subject to being exhausted thus resulting in brain fog.

I have had brain fog on and off for years as a result of anxiety disorder. Its a 'cloudy' place to be with the memory not having the ability to function in the way we are used to.

you are more than welcome to post back when convenient of course

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Dark_Autumn]

Thank you so much for responding everyone. That is exactly what it feels like Paul. A tired mind. I really am sleep deprived. My daughter wakes from 3-6 times in my sleep which is about 7-8hrs. Sometimes my son wakes too. Being an empathetic person, I am finding recently I just don't have the energy to reassure and help support others. My brain fog feeling of tiredness stops me from doing it. When I do respond it is usually half hearted and can sometimes come across as brash which is not like me. This is why I am thinking depression based rather than something more serious. It is reassuring to hear others experience this too.

I am booked in with the GP next week to double check and take bloods etc. So that should rule out anything serious anyway. There is no cure for my daughter unfortunately but that is ok we are managing it the best we can.

[Ellu]

Dear Dark Autumn,

Yes, I suffer from exactly the same thing. My doctor calls it Cognitive Impairment - you just can't focus or think clearly the way you normally would. To quote an extreme example, when I was in hospital in the middle of the year I had a shower and then had to buzz for a nurse to come and help me because I couldn't work out how to put on my pants! "Brain Fog" is a symptom of depression, and unfortunately it can linger for a while even once the depression has cleared up. Your notebook is your best friend. Write everything down - things you have to remember,things you plan to do that day (e.g. put on the washing), everything. Then all you have to do is follow the list. It sounds as if you have a lot on your plate, with a young child to look after. That is an additional stress for you. But don't stress about the "Brain Fog". It will eventually disappear once your health improves. It is a well known phenomenon so you are not alone. In the meantime be careful of things such as driving the car - your concentration is not 100% and you will have to pay extra attention.

Believe me, I have lived through it, and it will disappear once you start to get better. Are you seeing anyone for professional advice? Highly recommended. With help and support from a professional you can get better much faster. I hope your child settles and lets you get a bit more sleep. I have 4 children (all in their 20's now) and that kind of sleep deprivation can be devastating. I wish you well, and hope that things improve,

Ellu

[Dark_Autumn]

Thank you Ellu. I am seeing the GP next week. I have been to psychs a few times before and done CBT etc. It is nice to know someone understands how I am feeling. It is hard to explain to my friends.