Decrease in cognitive skills

[Belizz]

No I don't have a fear of neurological diseases etc.
But I have been going through tough times for the last 4-5 years since my life turned upside down, and am depressed and struggling with daily general anxiety.

Today I had to take an evaluation exam for an education I recently applied to. Evaluation of a language which I am not native to. It was quite advanced and I found myself struggling with easily understanding what I was reading. It had a time limit so I got a bit more stressed.
Recently I noticed that I have been struggling with focusing and cognitive skills, not only about that specific language but cognitive skills in general. And I am extremely unmotivated and demoralised because of that. I never had problems in learning new things before and I take pride in that. And guess how it makes me feel especially since I am already depressed.
What can I do about that? I know both depression and burnout affect cognitive functions.

I am having hard time finding job (actually I may move back to my homeland which probably will make me feel even more depressed) and I thought today if I am not allowed to restart by studying new skills and if I can't even focus on what I am studying, then what do I do?

hmm maybe I should post this in depression forums, but it doesn't matter I think.

 

[Jonathan123]

No I don't have a fear of neurological diseases etc.
But I have been going through tough times for the last 4-5 years since my life turned upside down, and am depressed and struggling with daily general anxiety.

Today I had to take an evaluation exam for an education I recently applied to. Evaluation of a language which I am not native to. It was quite advanced and I found myself struggling with easily understanding what I was reading. It had a time limit so I got a bit more stressed.
Recently I noticed that I have been struggling with focusing and cognitive skills, not only about that specific language but cognitive skills in general. And I am extremely unmotivated and demoralised because of that. I never had problems in learning new things before and I take pride in that. And guess how it makes me feel especially since I am already depressed.
What can I do about that? I know both depression and burnout affect cognitive functions.

I am having hard time finding job (actually I may move back to my homeland which probably will make me feel even more depressed) and I thought today if I am not allowed to restart by studying new skills and if I can't even focus on what I am studying, then what do I do?

hmm maybe I should post this in depression forums, but it doesn't matter I think.

Cognitive and memory problems are almost certain to occur in anxiety. We become self centred and so can't see much beyond our fears. Concentration becomes nigh impossible, and remembering can suffer too. Depression is so often a 'follow on' from anxiety.
Weeks, months or even years of negative thinking takes its toll, and it becomes a habit. I always feel 'catstrophising' is a good word.
Everything, even something encouraging and good can be turned into a negative thought. The answer still lies in acceptance. Give up any thoughts of struggling or fighting 'IT'. You will never win that battle. We so often turn our minds into a battlefield.

 

[MATD]

What Jonathan said. I have the same issues and I know it’s from years of anxiety, so I just accept it for what it is and continue practicing acceptance.