Specific things, but also just overall mental function

Hello. I've noticed for a little while now that my overall thinking ability/mind, specifically things like focus, concentration, memory, a clear, consistent inner dialogue/train of thought etc. have, at least noticeably declined - at least compared to how they used to be, and definitely not how I would like.

I just feel like my mind is not necessarily 'foggy' (at least not the majority of the time), but just... lower, quality? Or functioning, maybe?

This is just one example, of like having trouble thinking of how to word and explain things. Like creating this post, or any post, I have to think a lot harder and use a lot more effort than I normally would, and what I'm thinking, and want to say, just doesn't really come naturally, and I have to really focus on it and think hard. Or just simply trying to find words to explain or say or write something.

I zone out a lot, and even when I'm not actually zoned out it still just commonly feels like I want to, or like my eyes/area around my eyes feels sort of 'heavy', like they just want to close, or my vision wants to unfocus, not and become blurry just into two images.

Reading is more difficult than it ever was before, or just processing/registering and intaking information in general. Like when reading, I have to really focus on and think about like every few words or so and process their meaning together.

When talking to people, anxiety or anything like that doesn't play a role, I just plain and simply can't think of anything to say 80% of the time. If my mind isn't just blank then any thoughts of what to say I might have are very superficial and small.

Like when you're tired, and/or like if you've eaten a whole lot of sugar, or like when you're distracted when there's a bunch of things going on around you, or like maybe a good example would be if you're driving really fast and looking out the side all the houses, trees, cars, people, etc. just objects in general are a 'blur' (not visually just mentally). I just feel like my overall mental and cognitive function, specific things aside, has declined, and I'm worried eventually it could get to a severe level where I can't function.

I can list a few things I'm sure that could be a cause/contributor to it all if that helps, like spending a lot of time on my phone and looking at the phone screen, a while ago being isolated all the time and having a very unhealthy lifestyle and intentionally doing things like focusing and fixating on to amplify emotions like anger, frustration, hate etc. and eating a lot of unhealthy food, along with drinking NyQuil to get high a lot of the time. Most of these were a while, like over a year ago, but I feel like they still could and might contribute to and/or cause the problems I have now.

Sorry that is happening to you. Since I am not a doctor or medical professional I am not qualified or able to be helpful. Perhaps this is not related to what is happening to you, but I experienced the same kinds of things you describe when I was on Nyquil. I think I read somewhere that it contains some pretty powerful medicines that are able to cross the blood/brain barrier.

I hope you are able to see a physician, get a medical workup and find out what is causing your symptoms. There really is no substitute for a medical check with a licensed physician. Your health is too important to be left in the hands of non-professionals.

I really wouldn't/don't have a problem getting professional help for it all, I just don't really know where I would even start, at least to get in somewhere/with someone in a decent time manner. I really don't want to wait months or weeks just to simply get a consultation, let alone any treatment. Plus I feel like really about all any doctor is going to do is just give me some kind of pill or medication and tell me to come back in a month or two.

Many providers have more availability if your state allows telehealth.

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Originally Posted by Photonate I really wouldn't/don't have a problem getting professional help for it all, I just don't really know where I would even start, at least to get in somewhere/with someone in a decent time manner. I really don't want to wait months or weeks just to simply get a consultation, let alone any treatment. Plus I feel like really about all any doctor is going to do is just give me some kind of pill or medication and tell me to come back in a month or two.

Do you mind me asking your age, whether you are/were assigned female or male at birth and if you have anything that has been diagnosed? And is this fairly new or something that has been an issue on and off over the years?

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Originally Posted by Photonate Hello. I've noticed for a little while now that my overall thinking ability/mind, specifically things like focus, concentration, memory, a clear, consistent inner dialogue/train of thought etc. have, at least noticeably declined - at least compared to how they used to be, and definitely not how I would like. I just feel like my mind is not necessarily 'foggy' (at least not the majority of the time), but just... lower, quality? Or functioning, maybe? This is just one example, of like having trouble thinking of how to word and explain things. Like creating this post, or any post, I have to think a lot harder and use a lot more effort than I normally would, and what I'm thinking, and want to say, just doesn't really come naturally, and I have to really focus on it and think hard. Or just simply trying to find words to explain or say or write something. I zone out a lot, and even when I'm not actually zoned out it still just commonly feels like I want to, or like my eyes/area around my eyes feels sort of 'heavy', like they just want to close, or my vision wants to unfocus, not and become blurry just into two images. Reading is more difficult than it ever was before, or just processing/registering and intaking information in general. Like when reading, I have to really focus on and think about like every few words or so and process their meaning together. When talking to people, anxiety or anything like that doesn't play a role, I just plain and simply can't think of anything to say 80% of the time. If my mind isn't just blank then any thoughts of what to say I might have are very superficial and small. Like when you're tired, and/or like if you've eaten a whole lot of sugar, or like when you're distracted when there's a bunch of things going on around you, or like maybe a good example would be if you're driving really fast and looking out the side all the houses, trees, cars, people, etc. just objects in general are a 'blur' (not visually just mentally). I just feel like my overall mental and cognitive function, specific things aside, has declined, and I'm worried eventually it could get to a severe level where I can't function. I can list a few things I'm sure that could be a cause/contributor to it all if that helps, like spending a lot of time on my phone and looking at the phone screen, a while ago being isolated all the time and having a very unhealthy lifestyle and intentionally doing things like focusing and fixating on to amplify emotions like anger, frustration, hate etc. and eating a lot of unhealthy food, along with drinking NyQuil to get high a lot of the time. Most of these were a while, like over a year ago, but I feel like they still could and might contribute to and/or cause the problems I have now.

I feel that way when I'm having a depressive episode. It becomes very hard to concentrate or focus. If that's the case for you, it would be worth seeing a psychiatrist. Medication addresses the depression, and then I can concentrate again.

If you have female hormones and are going through menopause, that could be a factor as well. I would consult a gynecologist about it.

If you are over 60, it might be dementia. In that case, I would see a doctor who specializes in diseases like Alzheimer's.