cognitive impairment

[MattS.]

I`m wondering if any of you is dealing as well with cognitive impairment such as memory problems and mild confusion over a longer period of time. My cognitive symptoms started in December along with being sensitive to light, word finding problems which got a bit better again, and some other issues that got my more and more worried as they last now for a good 6 month with hardly any relief in between. I had similar cognitive impairments a few years earlier as well during a time where I got worried and had issues with bright light and brain fog etc. Back then my memory problems where not as bad though, as a matter of fact I just noticed them once in a while. But now it`s more pronounced which really got me worried. Would be great to hear what other experiencing in terms trouble with a proper functioning brain and if I just have to sign up to the fact that this might be part of my life from now.

[3rdtimearound]

MattS, you are not alone. I have very similar experience, I was having difficulty putting my thoughts into words, I've been having brain fog too. I came off of lexapro 2 months ago, and all the symptoms started when I was 4 weeks out, my Psychiatrist said these are symptoms of depression

[Silhouette]

Hi Matt. I experienced very similar symptoms when I was suffering from the worst of my depression. For me, it lasted about a year, but my cognitive functions went completely back to normal as soon as I recovered from depression. Have you been diagnosed with depression by a psychologist/psychiatrist/GP? And if so, are you on any medication right now? If you're comfortable with the idea of medication it might be something to talk to your doctor about. If you're already on medication, some medications such as Avanza (Mirtazipine) can give those kinds of symptoms. I understand how hard it is feeling like you're brain isn't working, but don't give up, it is temporary.

[MattS.]

Hi Matt. I experienced very similar symptoms when I was suffering from the worst of my depression. For me, it lasted about a year, but my cognitive functions went completely back to normal as soon as I recovered from depression. Have you been diagnosed with depression by a psychologist/psychiatrist/GP? And if so, are you on any medication right now? If you're comfortable with the idea of medication it might be something to talk to your doctor about. If you're already on medication, some medications such as Avanza (Mirtazipine) can give those kinds of symptoms. I understand how hard it is feeling like you're brain isn't working, but don't give up, it is temporary.

A brief history and some background info
My dad had depression , after he retired from work. It was so bad that one day he suddenly did not get up from bed. He was hospitalised, treated and eventually made a good recovery. My older brother has depression too. I`m dealing with OCD, anxiety, especially health anxiety, and feel really depressed about my general situation.
I spoke a few times to a psychiatrist, the first guy I did not get along with at all, that was back in Germany, than here in Japan I spoke to an American psychiatrist. He wants to put me on some pills but honestly I`d rather hold back on medication and would rather do some sessions.
I had over the last few years similar periods but they never lasted as long and it went away after a visit to a neurologist who did an MRI of the brain and confirmed there was nothing to worry about. He suspected depression/anxiety. Now what really scares me and probably makes it all worse is that I`m worried about the intensity of the symptoms this time. Before this spell started I got as well more worried about dementia. As a matter of fact that is one thing that triggered my health anxiety, living in the UK during the BSE crises and being convinced I contracted it after I got my first spell of brain fog and spaced out feelings after an argument with my wife.as well