Dealing with Brain Fog

I think I am dealing with a relapse of depression. For a while, I have just experienced recurring symptoms of depression that last on average four days that while were distressing, only impaired me mildly. However, now I have had symptoms of depression that have lasted almost two weeks. I am starting to experience hypersomnia and really bad brain fog. Although I am trying to fight it by using techniques I have learned in CBT, I have been having a very difficult time remembering them. It feels as if something in my head is obscuring my memories. I really want to figure out ways to deal with that so that I can get out of this mental state.

I have had depression that becomes like a "normal" feeling and I seem to lose the sense of knowing the difference if I'm depressed or it's just my normal mood. But once it starts to interfere with daily life and perhaps the brain fog, maybe it's just getting worse. How have you been feeling these last few days?

quietgirl2538 wrote:I have had depression that becomes like a "normal" feeling and I seem to lose the sense of knowing the difference if I'm depressed or it's just my normal mood. But once it starts to interfere with daily life and perhaps the brain fog, maybe it's just getting worse. How have you been feeling these last few days?

I was suspecting that the hypersomnia was what was causing the brain fog, so I decided to set an alarm extra early. It turned out that did the trick, and I was able to challenge the thoughts, and a day after, I felt normal.However, I am starting to wake up multiple times a night, though I do not feel any fatigue. In fact, I am feeling very alert and energetic. However, I am feeling horrible again and earlier today, I had racing thoughts, had to be constantly active, and was really pissed because I was not able to keep my attention on one thing, and even worse, I wasn't able to channel my energy because every time I started an activity, I felt like I had to move on to something else. That has calmed down, but I still feel depressed, and it will be a while until the next appointment with my therapist. It feels just as bad as having a foggy brain, and I am way too upset to think about what to do about it.

Those feelings you describe I say are "irritability, " for me, and they are so bothersome! I get angry easily. It's a good thing you're going to see your therapist. Keep us updated.

I talked with my therapist, and I told her that along with the brain fog, I had a difficult time identifying my emotions. All I knew was that they were negative. She suggested to me that I try to decide from five basic emotions when that happens. Also, she told me to tell myself that the depression is going to pass. I think that would be helpful for me, but I probably should write those things down so I can remember if it happens again.

Also, she was glad I told her about the depressive episode, and said that I should let her know if I experience anything that goes beyond normal ups and downs.

IntellectualCat wrote:I talked with my therapist, and I told her that along with the brain fog, I had a difficult time identifying my emotions. All I knew was that they were negative. She suggested to me that I try to decide from five basic emotions when that happens. Also, she told me to tell myself that the depression is going to pass. I think that would be helpful for me, but I probably should write those things down so I can remember if it happens again.

Also, she was glad I told her about the depressive episode, and said that I should let her know if I experience anything that goes beyond normal ups and downs.

I'm glad you got a chance to see your therapist. I have a difficult time allowing myself to feel angry, but yeah I think learning to at least identify the emotions is a start to figure out what you are feeling at times. And I agree with her that the depression WILL pass, I just can't guarantee you a time frame of when that will happen, but I know it does pass, based on my experience.

You can also look here and re-read your post to remind you.

I definitely agree with her to notify her if things get pretty bad, or on their way to getting worse. It can only help you in the long run. That way you don't sink so deep in a depressive episode and also that you can catch the depression where it is at and help lift you out of it sooner. Trust me, I've been there and I empathize with you. Hugs if wanted.