Cognitive Difficulties?

[JohnM]

I’m anxious just writing this, because I’m afraid I’ll detect some confusion in my thought processes as I compose it. Basically I feel like I’m developing Alzheimer’s/demnentia. I’m only 23, so I know that’s not really realistic, but I’ve just been messing things up and confusing things so often lately. The other day I forgot a coworker’s name, I keep having trouble remembering if cashiers have handed my debit card back to me, at work I’ll mishelve books (I work at a library). Basically I’m scrutinizing every thought that goes through my head and every action I have to undertake, and it feels like even the most basic tasks require my concerted mental effort or I’ll forget how to do them; things like brushing my teeth and typing a text message. I’m almost too terrified to do them because I’m afraid I’ll find can no longer remember how to spell a word or something. And then today I flew into a panic because I imagined reaching the point where I no longer knew who my parents were, or myself for that matter. Has anyone ever experienced this? I feel like I’m losing my mind.

 

[triceps]

I’m anxious just writing this, because I’m afraid I’ll detect some confusion in my thought processes as I compose it. Basically I feel like I’m developing Alzheimer’s/demnentia. I’m only 23, so I know that’s not really realistic, but I’ve just been messing things up and confusing things so often lately. The other day I forgot a coworker’s name, I keep having trouble remembering if cashiers have handed my debit card back to me, at work I’ll mishelve books (I work at a library). Basically I’m scrutinizing every thought that goes through my head and every action I have to undertake, and it feels like even the most basic tasks require my concerted mental effort or I’ll forget how to do them; things like brushing my teeth and typing a text message. I’m almost too terrified to do them because I’m afraid I’ll find can no longer remember how to spell a word or something. And then today I flew into a panic because I imagined reaching the point where I no longer knew who my parents were, or myself for that matter. Has anyone ever experienced this? I feel like I’m losing my mind.

Hi JohnM. I can tell you, flat out, all of your befuddlement is due to anxiety. The anxiety has your mind racing (although it might not seem like it) which creates overthinking simple tasks, difficulty staying on task and basic concentration/memory problems. I go through very similar difficulties every single morning until my mind settles down and my concentration gets more reasonable. Things will get mentally clearer if you can get the fear about dementia out of the way. JohnM, when those things happen, just tell yourself that it's just your anxiety messing with you and move on. It'll lessen, there will be some days better than others.

 

[JohnM]

I’m anxious just writing this, because I’m afraid I’ll detect some confusion in my thought processes as I compose it. Basically I feel like I’m developing Alzheimer’s/demnentia. I’m only 23, so I know that’s not really realistic, but I’ve just been messing things up and confusing things so often lately. The other day I forgot a coworker’s name, I keep having trouble remembering if cashiers have handed my debit card back to me, at work I’ll mishelve books (I work at a library). Basically I’m scrutinizing every thought that goes through my head and every action I have to undertake, and it feels like even the most basic tasks require my concerted mental effort or I’ll forget how to do them; things like brushing my teeth and typing a text message. I’m almost too terrified to do them because I’m afraid I’ll find can no longer remember how to spell a word or something. And then today I flew into a panic because I imagined reaching the point where I no longer knew who my parents were, or myself for that matter. Has anyone ever experienced this? I feel like I’m losing my mind.[/QUOTE
So, today I forgot another coworkers name whom I’ve worked with for over three years. As I was driving I became convinced her name was Diane, only to turn up and find out it was Debbie, which, of course, immediately sent me into a silent panic. Is this anxiety? I’m sure it probably is, and you can’t really answer that question for sure, but I’m having a lot of trouble convincing myself it’s just worry.

 

[Rosy]

I can assure you it is anxiety. Just today I did a totally stupid thing all because of my anxiety. I have a dr. appmt. on Mar. 1. Now I know this and even got a call from that office that I go on Mar. 1 Friday at 11:00. But in the back of my mind something said you better check to make sure. So like a dummy I called to be sure. Now I know that was uncalled for but I did it.This anxiety can be so hard to keep in check so you are not alone. We all forget names and things you said you worry about. Remember, this anxiety causes your mind to overwork and sometimes that is not a good thing. I hope you remember that when it happens again. Hope I helped to relieve your mind that you are okay. You'll get some good advice on this site.

 

[Guen]

Hey JohnM,

I too have noticed that when my anxiety is acting up that I start forgetting things really easily. A perfect example: the other day I left work early so I could stop at the bank before it closed. I was so wrapped up in anxiety that I drove by the bank and was almost home before I realized I'd completely forgotten to do the task I'd changed my day around for. Your mind is in panic mode, thinking it needs to outrun a tiger, so it is turning on the Survive parts of your brain, rather than the Think parts. The more anxious you get, the worse the symptoms are, which makes you more anxious, making worst symptoms, and so on.

I hope things get better for you. If you can, try to exercise or a mindfulness meditation (you can find a bunch on youtube that are 10 min long). Those tend to help me. Also, this may sound weird, but if you have the money, get a massage. I only recommend it because I got one today and it did wonders for that anxiety I've been dealing with for the past 2 weeks =)

 

[Rinka]

I’m anxious just writing this, because I’m afraid I’ll detect some confusion in my thought processes as I compose it. Basically I feel like I’m developing Alzheimer’s/demnentia. I’m only 23, so I know that’s not really realistic, but I’ve just been messing things up and confusing things so often lately. The other day I forgot a coworker’s name, I keep having trouble remembering if cashiers have handed my debit card back to me, at work I’ll mishelve books (I work at a library). Basically I’m scrutinizing every thought that goes through my head and every action I have to undertake, and it feels like even the most basic tasks require my concerted mental effort or I’ll forget how to do them; things like brushing my teeth and typing a text message. I’m almost too terrified to do them because I’m afraid I’ll find can no longer remember how to spell a word or something. And then today I flew into a panic because I imagined reaching the point where I no longer knew who my parents were, or myself for that matter. Has anyone ever experienced this? I feel like I’m losing my mind.

What you describe is very much one of the more worrying sides of anxiety. The worry of losing your mind. Brain fog and some memory difficulties can be day to day business during an anxiety and stress period. The thing is, you might be already anxious and stressed, but then you stress yourself even more, because you feel that you are forgetting things. It's a devil's circle really.
Find something to calm your mind, something to ground yourself. It could be painting, reading or exercising. You will see as soon as your mind is calmer, your memory will get better.

 

[Hurt&Hopeful]

Oh, I can definitely identify with this. High anxiety can cause short-term memory loss - even just extreme stress can do that. You have nothing to worry about - if you can focus on reducing your anxiety, you'll find that your brain starts cooperating with you more. I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this!