Brain fog: blank mind, comprehension, concentration, cognitive, and memory problems

[gizmo]

Does anyone else have no brain activity /slash/ blank mind?

 

Does anyone else have no brain activity /slash/ blank mind? I feel really alone in this particular symptom because i don't hear too many people discuss it. I'd really like to devote this thread for those of us who are experiencing this symptom, and to hear from those who have struggled with it in the past and experienced it dissipate or  lift entirely with time. For me, I have to work really hard to even have a thought. It's like i don't even know myself anymore because I have no thoughts on anything, really. 

 

Edited December 3, 2020 by ChessieCat
added topic title

[wantrelief]

I have some aspects of this problem.  I can't think of anything I want to do, it is as if I never had any interests before.....all my body/brain wants to do is lie on the couch.  I don't know what to do with myself.  It is difficult for me to converse in the earlier part of the day; this gets better later on.  It also relates to food - no food sounds appealing anymore.  If someone asks me what I would like to eat, I can't think of anything. There are other examples where my mind feels blank but that gives you some idea.  I do have thoughts/opinions about things (like say politics or certain issues) so it isn't completely blank but I have described that I feel as if a part of my brain has been removed or has shut down and won't come back online.  It is an awful feeling and makes me feel like I am not myself at all, like I am not really here anymore.  

 

I do have awful intrusive thoughts so my brain is not blank in that way.

 

In your signature you describe "feeling really sick" - that is exactly how I describe how I am feeling too....it is vague but that is the only way I can describe it.

[rachie]

I have really fast negative thoughts all of the time about how stuck and anxious I feel but my ability to care about anything outside of potentially healing one day is shut down. I don't feel my caring about my family members in the way I used to (although deep down I know it is not true), I don't have anything I want to do, I don't feel happy at all, I can't concentrate on much, not even a TV show. I know it is the WD because TV shows I used to care about and get in to the story and characters I can hardly stay focused on. it is all dead for now. I also can barely listen to anyone. They are talking to me and I am offline. I am almost 3 months past my final dose. I'm still crying all the time. The good news is I have had a few fleeting moments of change. I started out with how am I going to get through this day and I have actually had a couple of moments of when I get better I will so and so.  

[rachie]

Also, to respond to the sick part. I am still getting the flu symptoms. Today is a bad day as far as feeling sick and with Covid going on it is tricky when you constantly have these flu symptoms. I get swollen glands, heat, itching and sneezing. Totally related to the withdrawal. 

 

[gizmo]

Its so good to know I'm not alone, but also frustrating to see so few stories of recovery when it comes to brain fog....i've looked through this thread for them and really don't find any. DOES THIS GET BETTER? Is there evidence of that happening? I feel so hopeless.

[ChessieCat]

Yes it does improve.  I posted this recently in my Intro:

 

On 11/23/2020 at 9:43 AM, ChessieCat said:

I noticed something this morning.  My memory is improving.  I've been listening to podcasts and audio books for quite a while now and I had been having a lot of difficulty remembering things.

 

Over the last couple of weeks I've been listening to two books at the same time, one during the day and the other at night in bed.  The first couple of books were a bit different.  However, the current ones have very similar voices and this morning I realised that I've been able to keep up with the different stories because I'm able to recall things.

 

 

 

[lexauxa]

Just wanna reply to Gizmo and the others:

 

Cognitive difficulties were my main withdrawal symptom, coupled with a lack of empathy (as Rachie described) and a general feeling of detachment.

 

I wanna tell you that it does get better. It's been a painstakingly slow process but a process nonetheless. Today I am much more present and acute than I was a year ago. This is reflected in my ability to do maths, recall memories and express myself coherently. Basically my mind is not all white noise anymore, if you can relate to that feeling.

 

My advice for you is to not ruminate. I know it's extremely difficult to avoid this type of thinking, but you have to as it's harmful and will only make you feel depressed and anxious. That's enough to make even a healthy person feel and perform worse.

 

I've found that refocusing my efforts on wholesome activities - from breathing to exercising to working to the best of my abilities - is key. Do this and let those awful sensations wash over you without either suppressing or giving them credence. This will give you a much needed sense of control.

 

All the best, feel free to send me a message if you ever wanna talk

[gizmo]

@lexauxa I really appreciate your reassurance. My work requires a tremendous amount of intellectual labor and I feel so frightened that I'm going to **** up. And then in my personal life, I don't feel like I can process or understand anything, really. It feels so scary. I sent you a DM - I'd love to talk to you more. The suggestion to not ruminate is so helpful. I'll try to distract myself. 

[Atlas15]

According to my and many others' experience, it gets better gradually but the extent and the rate of improvement depend heavily on the factors that are mostly out of a person's control.

 

It took me approximately 10 years (13.5 years in total) to finally feel like myself again. 

 

 

 

 

[hennie86]

I have noticed a lot of improvements in my cognitive problems when I have tapered off most of the meds and there is only small dose of benzos left. When I was in worst situation I felt so cognitively impaired I have no words to describe it, blank mind or living in a fog (severe brain fog) could describe it pretty well. I had difficulties to write, read, plan, watch TV, remember  things like normally, even navigate outside, have a conversation or do any things I was used to able to do like study that would have felt like the most difficult task to do. I had a lot of memory issues too and I lived in a fog for years. Many basic tasks felt challenging.  I think withdrawal, withdrawal insomnia, polypharmacy, benzos and other sedative drugs caused these issues. They started during SSRI withdrawal (it felt like I had cognitive problems and brain fog). For a long time during withdrawal I felt like my brain got overwhelmed when there was even a bit too much stimulation going on and it caused so severe fatigue I had difficulties sometimes to even comprehend what is going on like my battery just run out too soon. I had weird headaches all the time  that started in the end of the day, almost every day. Someone described here derealization and I still feel like it everyday. Like living in a dream like state, maybe it is some type of cognitive dysfunction still, I dont know. Surviving from these drugs have felt like surviving from some type of brain damage.

 

I have also a bit of my imagination and creativity back I had that was gone for a long time. I have been able to read lately even though I am still quite slow and consentrating is still really challenging, and I have to push myself and reading takes a lot of energy. Its not easy. And I can do many things I was unable to do for a really long time. I still struggle with my memory when I try to study something. I feel like its important to train the brain and when there is long time of not doing something, it can take a lot more energy to start doing it than usually and brain to get used to it again. Everything feels more challenging after medication harm and withdrawal. I started from really easy tasks when things felt challenging. Cooking was my brain training. Walking outside feels like improves my cognitive function. 

 

I hope things will get even better when I stop benzos completely. I try to taper slowly. 

 

I am not who I was, but I have lived in this situation for so long I have started to accept it. 

[Waving2MyWindows]

This has been brutal, for the last month I’ve started to notice the “Waves and Windows” pattern somewhat starting.  Through all of this I “think” I’ve noticed a more clear window a a couple weeks back, but my memory is so bad in the waves I struggle to validate experiences via my own memory.

 

I’m 33 years old going on 85.  But then in the window I remember...maybe more like 33 years old going on 60.  

 

I hope it gets better, I feel so depersonalized on top of this all, its time travel.

[hennie86]

I can definitely relate. During worsr waves I have an idea what dementia can be like. I feel terrible brain fog. Even during windows I have issues with short term memory and consentrating, but during waves its even worse and I am constantly forgetting what I am doing etc.  During windows my head is more "clear"

 

I feel DP and DR on top of this. Confusion is also good word to describe what I feel some days, especially when the brain fog is bad and experience a wave.

 

I have been making improvements slowly but it wasnt long time ago when I had a wave when the cogn symptoms got worse again

[Nic123]

i really wish i knew this was going to go away. I feel like my mind has died and my physical form remains. I only took lexapro for 3 months on a low dose and this has happened i just cant believe it. How can one go through life completely devoid of thoughts, imagination, creativity, emotions, drive, passions. I feel entirely separated from my brain and i just cant access it at all. The only way i can really describe it, is an intense fog and blanket wrapped around it where i'm locked out of my own mind. Everything feels completely devoid of an emotional response from me. Nothing at all can make me anxious anymore either, have zero anxiety.

[lostmysock]

Yes, it's quite frightening. I forget very basic things, zone out, can't think, can't focus... And I also feel like it's affected me in the windows as well. When I get tired I start to feel it. Sometimes I feel like I'm slurring my words slightly (partner says he hasn't noticed, so it's probably very mild because I definitely feel it). Omega-3 fish oil is helpful for supporting brain function (or hemp seed oil if you're vegan/vegetarian). 

[Bjeck]

Has anyone tried a rehabilitation/brain training type of approach to cognitive issues?

 

I'm having horrible problems with word recall. It makes it hard to form a sentence longer than 4 or 5 words. Which is making me self conscious, even around the people I'm closest to.

 

I'm wondering if like, I tried reading a book aloud (no problems reading) everyday it would help retrain my brain. Anyone attempt something like this?

[Nemet]

Hi. Have you felt any difference in your symptoms? Do they get better with time? 

[Fromthenetherlands]

Any cold turkey succes stories? 

[Rusty1]

3 hours ago, Fromthenetherlands said:

Any cold turkey succes stories? 

Yes, look around the site and you will find some.

There is no reason why you shouldnt recover from cold turkey - in fact most doctor recommended taper plans are basically cold turkey.

 

The common theme does appear that a slow taper reduces intensity and length of time of symptoms as your body can make the necessary changes in conjunction with your slow taper, rather than trying to have to sort it all out at once.

[gizmo]

Are there any specific success stories out there from this symptom? I really need hope @Altostrata

[Altostrata]

Please use site search to find topics discussing cold turkey and the process of recovery from it. Please do not tag me when you could use search yourself.

[Nic123]

Like Gizmo said, i'm also really struggling with the lack of brain activity feeling. Its almost an impossible thing to describe but its as if my brain is shut down and im kind of on an autopilot mode. As if im asleep but awake at the same time? I know that probably makes no sense but there is really nothing going on in my brain anymore. I cant even put a thought together or if i do i have to really force it, no automatic thoughts or really recall a memory but yet i can talk to someone but like words come out without me even thinking of them. I'm really used to it now though, been in this state for at least 8 months but its still extreme suffering every single day. I know its absolutely pointless posting here and reading other peoples stories but i just cant help it.

 

The way it feels is as if my brain doesnt release any brain chemicals dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin. As if all these are blocked in some way. I cant remember the last time i had an actual sensation feeling in my body or head. 

[Fromthenetherlands]

@Atlas15,

 

What was your medical history?

[almuPA]

@Nic123

 

I don't think is pointless to write here and to read other people's stories. We are here to share and luckilly, learn from each other's experiences.

 

I totally understand you with the laxck of brain activity feeling. Some days I have to think what is 1+1(I am not exagerating, It has happenned). 

 

It comes and goes and some days is better. But in general, I need to make an extra effort to comunícate a not so difficult sentence. I've had an MRI and they found nothing special, so I know It is "just" WD.

 

I will keep you in my thoughts and I Hope everything will get better. 

[Nic123]

I think I’m being overly paranoid but I hesitated getting the vaccine for so long as I worried it would make my condition worst and ruin all my “healing” I had my first shot a couple days ago and don’t feel any different apart from more anxiety from thinking about it. 
 

how do I relax from this pattern of thinking. Have you guys got it to?
 

 

[Bjeck]

Brain fog was one of my worst symptoms. I'm still kind of self conscious, even though it's way way better. I got the vaccine and it had no effect on any of my withdrawals, and I had a pretty big immune response to it.

 

The idea of having long term cognitive issues from getting covid itself scared the hell at of me, it's why I got the vaccine as soon as I could. 

[Alenah]

Brain fog. Brain does not feel clear of thinking/disconnected

Hello everyone,

 

My first time posting last week. So a bit of a background... I took one dose of Zoloft 50mg. Almost 7 months later my mind just does not seem clear or disconnected. Hard to explain, but I am sure others understand. I am wondering if anyone else experienced this and if they had success where it went away or maybe what you did to help?

 

Edited December 14, 2021 by ChessieCat
added topic title before merging with existing topic

[rilexapro]

I had an MRI that said "Scattered FLAIR hyperintensities nonspecific but most commonly related to chronic microvascular changes." which seems to say I have irreversible damage to my brain. I don't know if Lexapro did this, but I'm guessing it did. What am I supposed to do at this point?

[kostakonkordia]

On 1/3/2022 at 4:38 AM, rilexapro said:

I had an MRI that said "Scattered FLAIR hyperintensities nonspecific but most commonly related to chronic microvascular changes." which seems to say I have irreversible damage to my brain. I don't know if Lexapro did this, but I'm guessing it did. What am I supposed to do at this point?

How do you come to the conclusion that you have irreversible damage??

[kostakonkordia]

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/long-covid-antibodies-in-cerebrospinal-fluid-linked-with-brain-fog

A new study found high antibody count in cerebrospinal fluid of people with brain fog duo to long covid. 

Maybe there is a link to withdrawal. 

[rilexapro]

6 minutes ago, kostakonkordia said:

How do you come to the conclusion that you have irreversible damage??

 

Because my mind feels nothing like how it did before this started. I see minor flashes of improvement, but not much. My nerve abnormality problems are constant, which is concerning.

[kostakonkordia]

5 hours ago, rilexapro said:

 

Because my mind feels nothing like how it did before this started. I see minor flashes of improvement, but not much. My nerve abnormality problems are constant, which is concerning.

But this doesnt mean it's permanent... Our body has alot of capabilities in healing itself. Thinking that you're problems are permanent is not true and can lead to a doomsday view of you're situation which can be be very dangerous i think. 

[Fromthenetherlands]

Hi Guys,

I started doing neurofeedback and have experienced good effects. See the page about this subject to read my experience.

 

kind regards.

[Sofa]

Hi, i really struggle with the blank mind symptom. No thoughts, no creativity and no imagination. Loss of personality and all emotions. I also have extreme brain fog and trouble focusing and remember things. 
 

I also have this weird pressure in my head, like something is squeezing my brain. 
 

I just really want myself back. Anyones symptoms get better? Mine just get worse it seems

[Bjeck]

Mine has gotten significantly better. There's a ton of different causes of brain fog, even when you're not in the midst of withdrawal. So I worked at eliminating the things that can contribute to it normally to try to "lighten the load".

 

The reason I wanted to reply though, is you mentioned "pressure in your head". That went hand in hand with my brain fog. The number 1 cause of tension headaches is an imbalance in your posture muscles. I don't know about you, but I was practically bed ridden during the worst of my withdrawals. So it made sense that mine weakened.

 

Exercising those made a HUGE difference for the brain fog and pressure. And they're pretty non-strenuous and easy to do.

[Sofa]

@Bjeck

Do you also get pressure when thinking? Even just writing thing the pressure in my head increases. Its like my brain is being Squeeze when i try to think. I wake with this everyday, and it just seems to get worse

[Bjeck]

I think I know what you're talking about. When I was at my absolute worst it was like I could "feel" my brain straining to think, like it was some muscle that was worn out.