anxietylife
01-02-2017, 03:35 PM
I'm in need of some advice in dealing with severe brain fog related to anxiety. I've seen my doctor numerous times about this issue and I'm finally getting referred to a psychiatrist, but I still want to see if anyone has found any affective treatments for this issue. I'm diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, but my anxiety is largely related to social situations. I usually get anxious about what others are thinking of me and obsess over perceived mistakes I make in social situations. Also, while talking with someone sometime things feel dream-like or unreal which I've read may be a symptom of anxiety called derealization or depersonalization. This anxiety has resulted in an intolerable brain fog that frustrates me to no end.
My biggest problem is that in social situations, my mind goes blank. I grasp for thoughts and ideas, something to say in response, but fail to come up with anything. Usually I'll just laugh at a comment because I cannot think of a response. In a small group I usually remain quiet at the table because I can't think of things to add to a conversation. This makes it hard for me to get excited about going to social events because I feel like I'm not able to have a decent conversation. Not only that, when I do have something to say, I usually mess up in some way like use an incorrect word or name or just have a response that isn't more than a few syllables. It's almost like I can't think clearly once I have started talking.
Another problem, likely related to the first, is that my ability to concentrate and remember things is terrible. I cannot enjoy a book or watch a tv show/movie without my mind wandering elsewhere. As a result, I usually have to reread pages or rewind a show to follow along. And when people are talking about a show or movie I struggle to remember characters and events that took place. Again, this makes it difficult to have a conversation with someone. It's come to the point where I sometimes don't feel like watching shows or reading books that I might like because I feel like I'll just end up forgetting what happens anyway and wont be able to discuss it with anyone.
I have tried so many things to help with this its not even funny. I have taken vitamins and supplements(B, D, Magnesium, Gingko Biloba, L-Theanine, etc.) I've done cardio and weight lifting, CBT, cutting out sugar and low carb diets. I drink green tea and matcha by the barrel full. I do yoga and meditation (but my mind wanders a lot during practice). I'm currently on medication (Effexor 75mg and Wellbutrin 300mg). I've tried being more social like dating, going to work events and such, but every attempt ends with me feeling like I made a fool of myself, said something stupid or didn't have an engaging conversation.
I feel like it is a lost cause and I'll be stuck like this forever. It really sucks because I want to go out and make friends and have conversations and be social, but feel pretty much disabled in that department.
Does anyone have any tips or advice for someone going through such an experience? Has anyone found a way to overcome such a relentless brain fog?
My biggest problem is that in social situations, my mind goes blank. I grasp for thoughts and ideas, something to say in response, but fail to come up with anything. Usually I'll just laugh at a comment because I cannot think of a response. In a small group I usually remain quiet at the table because I can't think of things to add to a conversation. This makes it hard for me to get excited about going to social events because I feel like I'm not able to have a decent conversation. Not only that, when I do have something to say, I usually mess up in some way like use an incorrect word or name or just have a response that isn't more than a few syllables. It's almost like I can't think clearly once I have started talking.
Another problem, likely related to the first, is that my ability to concentrate and remember things is terrible. I cannot enjoy a book or watch a tv show/movie without my mind wandering elsewhere. As a result, I usually have to reread pages or rewind a show to follow along. And when people are talking about a show or movie I struggle to remember characters and events that took place. Again, this makes it difficult to have a conversation with someone. It's come to the point where I sometimes don't feel like watching shows or reading books that I might like because I feel like I'll just end up forgetting what happens anyway and wont be able to discuss it with anyone.
I have tried so many things to help with this its not even funny. I have taken vitamins and supplements(B, D, Magnesium, Gingko Biloba, L-Theanine, etc.) I've done cardio and weight lifting, CBT, cutting out sugar and low carb diets. I drink green tea and matcha by the barrel full. I do yoga and meditation (but my mind wanders a lot during practice). I'm currently on medication (Effexor 75mg and Wellbutrin 300mg). I've tried being more social like dating, going to work events and such, but every attempt ends with me feeling like I made a fool of myself, said something stupid or didn't have an engaging conversation.
I feel like it is a lost cause and I'll be stuck like this forever. It really sucks because I want to go out and make friends and have conversations and be social, but feel pretty much disabled in that department.
Does anyone have any tips or advice for someone going through such an experience? Has anyone found a way to overcome such a relentless brain fog?