Brain always feels cloudy and fatigued

[madmanhattan]

I have been really struggling lately with feeling like my brain is cloudy/foggy and like I can't properly focus. It's like I'm one step back from reality and having to fight through the fog to actually focus. I'm only 31 so it shouldn't be menopause or hormone-related.

I work from home but have very detail-orientated computer-based job. I finish work and I have to lie on my bed with my eyes closed and even that doesn't help. I've tried eating more protein in case it was blood sugar-related, drinking more water, drinking more coffee (which helps) and getting 8-10 hours of sleep a night.

It also gets bad when out of the house, particularly when shopping or in busy restaurants. There's been times I don't feel capable of crossing a road because I feel so foggy-headed.

Does anyone experience similar or have any advice? I'm not sure if it's something I should see my GP about, or if it's anxiety/stress?

I should add that I have experienced this for years, but it would usually happen after a long and busy day out and about socialising. It is happening pretty much daily now

Sight test and GP, mostly to rule out deficiencies.

Was there any trigger before it started years ago?

Bit D/B12/iron ok?

Get your vitamin D checked, amongst other vitamin levels. I felt like this with a vitamin D deficiency. I could literally barely walk up stairs at the end of the day. I would get confused and forget stuff. I just didn’t feel like my brain worked.

I was convinced I must have had cancer and was dying to feel that completely unwell and unable to function. Coincidentally, I now have cancer (this is 10 years later) and being on cancer treatment is the only other time I’ve felt quite that unwell. I was mid 30s at the time.

I felt normal within about 4 weeks with a proper loading dose of vitamin D as advised by GP.

Do you take vitamins?

I second sight test and GP. There are so many things it could be.

Get your thyroid & B12 checked at the very least.
VitD too.
Dont burn the candle at both ends. Pace yourself. Follow very active days with a more rested day.

my friend has had this from menopause. I have had it from Neuro divergence. Working and people drain me to the point I go to bed as soon as I get in from work.

Please also get your eyes tested.

I have regular eye tests and wear contacts and glasses, so I'm sure my vision is okay but I am due a sight test soon so will get that booked in.

I don't think there's been a trigger really. I remember experiencing the same feeling at school. People have noticed before too and asked if I was okay and saying I looked dazed.

I will try and get a GP appointment to ask for a blood test next week

Eye strain?

I have felt like this with my thyroid being problematic.

Came on to say same as @Newventures my thyroid problems came to light in early 30s. The brain fog, fatigue and achy joints were main symptoms.

I would get bloods done at GP’s could be any sort of deficiency and get an eye test.

is it worse in spring and summer? Hay fever makes me feel awful, I get very groggy and foggy headed . Anti histamines and hay fever eye drops help.

You mention intense job and anxiety/stress - how's your blood pressure OP?

I've recently started taking low dose BP medication and noticed I haven't had my blurry vision and brain fog since.