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Original poster

Sudden change in personality. Any experience?

88 replies

Notsurewhatsgoingon · 09/07/2020 13:46

Hi all,
Bit of background: I'm 32, married, two children, working part time, no job or money worries, nice home etc, no previous mental health or medical issues.

So about 3 weeks ago I woke up with a bad headache, took pain relief but it lasted about 3 days. Each day I woke up feeling worse, not so much the headache but just in general. I can't explain how I felt really well, but just off. Once the headache had gone I felt like I'd been hit by a bus. Just worn out and exhausted. I spent the next few days close to tears but for no apparent reason. Everything became too much to cope with. Even driving to the supermarket had me in tears because it felt exhausting, stressful and overwhelming. Things that I do every day seemed impossible in my mind. I felt fuzzy, confused and a bit scared but I couldn't put my finger on why. Nothing has happened to trigger this and that makes me feel selfish as I know many people are suffering right now.

Since then I have spoken to my gp who has advised me to take a bit of time off work and to have some blood tests. I'm still waiting for the results.

3 weeks on I feel like a different person. I'm normally a yes person and egar to please. I go out of my way to help friends and family and often volunteer in the community. I never show my emotions and am described as smiley and happy by friends. I can count on one had the amount of times I have shouted at my children in their entire life. Im just chilled.

But now I'm angry with the whole world. I'm angry at my family and friends and my children for no reason. I am still able to not show this to the children as I have not completly lost it but even normal day to day actions leave me feeling seething and then sad and emotional.
My friend had an issue and I'd have normally gone out of my way to solve it and see her but I was abrupt and rude and I don't know why.Even simply writing a message like this has me feeling angry and overwhelmed. I am rude to my husband and don't want to bother with chit chat in public as I usually would.

I have been having thoughts of running away from my family and caught myself thinking of driving too fast and causing an accident this morning but obviously I didn't, so I can be rational when needed.

There are occasions where I feel awful for having these thoughts and for snapping at the kids but they last a split second and I'm back to feeling upset, angry, emotional, overwhelmed etc....

I don't want to spend time with anyone, even my own husband and children. I'm usually very social and have enjoyed social distance meet ups but now I couldn't care less.
I'm scared how bad this will get as I'm starting to have very worrying thoughts. At the moment I'm able to stop myself and keep telling myself to sort my shit out but I can feel myself slipping further into this distress each day.

This is not me. I don't feel depressed. Something tells me this is medical but maybe I'm wrong.
Has anyone come across anything like this?

OP posts:

Seriously79 · 16/07/2020 09:44

Please talk to a friend or family member. Try the dr again, if they don't help call the Samaritans 116 123 - they will help.

I'm sorry your feeling like this, these feelings can be managed and you will feel better.

Please reach out again x

Whywonttheyletmeusemyusername · 16/07/2020 09:58

I agree with @thesunwillout. I would absolutely push your GP. I don't want to worry you further, but the same thing happened to my mum. You need to be proactive with this as soon as possible

WhoWants2Know · 16/07/2020 10:03

You need to go to A&E and get your brain scanned. Headache, tinnitus, personality changes and intrusive thoughts are an issue. Suicidal ideation that's new and unusual is an issue.

Perfectstorm12 · 16/07/2020 10:34

You also sound like you are (entirely reasonably) done with supporting everyone else. And you are shouting out for your own space which you are not getting. I hope you find the support you need.

NoraBattysApron · 16/07/2020 10:36

Please go to a&e now.

They need to scan your brain.

Please go.

I had extremely similar symptoms to you and I had a pseudo cerebral tumour. Meaning I didn’t have a tumour, but my brain and fluid was acting like I had one. Had to have a spinal tap as everytime I stood up I passed out. But that was actually the best outcome as it could have been encephalitis or an actual tumour or a stroke. Bloods don’t show everything.

Sorry to sound dramatic but you shouldn’t ignore this, it could be nothing, it could just be an onslaught of migraines and anxiety but what if it isn’t.

FizzyGreenWater · 16/07/2020 10:45

I agree that it sounds as if it really could be a brain issue.

I would ask for an urgent appointment today and if there isn't one available, go to A&E and stress the personality changes and tinnitus

Mascotte · 16/07/2020 10:46

@Notsurewhatsgoingon I think you should go to A&E. by all accounts it should be quiet.

You should not ignore this.

thesunwillout · 16/07/2020 17:32

@Whywonttheyletmeusemyusername

I had a ruptured brain aneurysm.

Hugs to you xx

Threelionsandalioness · 18/07/2020 05:37

Another vote for A&E here x
How are you? X
This must be such a stressful and confusing situation for you op but for your own piece of mind I would cover all avenues, I hope you get to the bottom of it good luck xx
To all you other posters who have been through the mill x

backseatcookers · 18/07/2020 05:55

How are you doing OP? Have you felt able to go to A&E to explajn your symptoms and hopefully get a scan? Please do if you can at all, your symptoms need checking out thoroughly

JustMeAndMyTins · 20/07/2020 11:32

Hope you’re doing ok, OP. Did you get anywhere with the docs/hospital?

simonisnotme · 20/07/2020 11:52

how are you OP?
please get back in touch with your GP urgently especially as you are have such intrusive thoughts and sounds in you head, i agree with other ^^pp you need a CT scan of your head

Splitsunrise · 20/07/2020 11:55

Hope you’re ok OP

witchofthenorth · 20/07/2020 12:25

Hi OP,

You have basically just described my migraines. Now I'm not saying that's what it is, everyone is different and I would be going back to your GP, but it's a possibility.

My migraines normally consist of, white dots in my vision which moves to a tunnel vision with a zig zag outer. Headache usually hits about 30 mins later and can be with me for up to 3 days. For a few days after I'm teary, my heads fuzzy, impatient, snappy and over emotional. It's awful.

Original poster

Notsurewhatsgoingon · 20/07/2020 13:55

Hi everyone,
I'm doing better thanks. Don't feel so down today for the first time. I am seeing how I go this week to decide if I ring the gp again. I don't want to be embarrassed if there is nothing wrong and I go for a scan etc.. I know that's stupid but it's how I feel. I Don't want people to think I'm a hypochondriac.

I have had some memory loss. I have completey forgotten some important information and some stuff I need for work. Aswell as not knowing where I have put things etc . Not sure if it's just because I have been feeling so down/tired. I'm sure things will be OK.

OP posts:

chopc · 20/07/2020 14:59

Go and see a different GP if you feel the one you saw is not listening. I think you need a brain scan

ThePawtriarchy · 21/07/2020 01:20

I have had a friend who had symptoms similar to these and it was a tumour. I’m being blunt not to scare but because I think if a friend told you they have the symptoms you have that you would push them to be taken seriously at the doctor. I know it’s hard at the best of times but almost impossible when you’ve been fobbed off with the ‘tired depressed mum’ thing but I think you have to do this. Be the friend to yourself and make a fuss.

ThePawtriarchy · 21/07/2020 01:21

I know we’re strangers on the internet but actually, these symptoms matter even if they are depression. That would need treating too. It’s not ok at all that you’re not getting help.

MamaBearThius · 21/07/2020 03:06

Did you have any injury to your head at all? My husband took a brick to the head (it fell from around 10/12 foot) and gave him a concussion which led onto post concussion syndrome. Similar to how you're describing, he had a complete personality change following these nasty headaches. We've figured out his are triggered by sunlight now so after a combination of filtered glasses and beta blockers I've finally got my husband back after 18 months of misery. Definitely push for a scan though and don't be dismissed

Schmoody · 21/07/2020 03:38

As someone with a brain tumour, I'm asking you to get a ct scan of your brain asap please OP.

WildIrishRose1 · 21/07/2020 04:23

This is a new symptom? I agree with pps to reach out for help again and not be fobbed off. Apart from any damage a potentially serious issue could do, the uncertainty of not knowing what is wrong is terrifying.

SquarePeggyLeggy · 21/07/2020 06:17

I do not mean to alarm you, but I think you should press the GP or seek a second opinion. There may be an issue with your brain (the headaches could indicate an injury or a tumour). My sister had similar and she had a huge bolt clot that was hours away from being a fatal aneurism. She only found it because her gp was “overly cautious” and sent her for a scan. She is fine now.

SquarePeggyLeggy · 21/07/2020 06:18

Blood clot

Annasgirl · 21/07/2020 06:25

Hi OP, you urgently need a brain scan. This is a neurological issue. Please, please go to A and E.

EricLove123 · 21/07/2020 07:49

Sounds like depression but you really need to speak to your GP about it.

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