Is this depression, ptsd or something else?

[Looklikepob]

I'm wondering if someone can help me understand what has been going on with my brain the last few months. It feels like brain fog but continous and worse, like my brain can't make connections anymore. Examples are:

• Can't remember names/ dates/ events.
• If I make a to do list, I forget to look at it.
• Can't listen to what people are telling me - I blank out or if I take notes, the notes don't make sense.
• I seem to be looking through people, even close family. I can't focus on them.
• I procrastinate and scroll mindlessly- even before important things (I am often late and miss deadlines but can't seem to control it)
• I can't make decisions- it takes days for me to decide to buy something
• I feel a dullness that I've not had before. I 'm not doing fun things or don't enjoy them as much, I stick to routines and am chronically overthinking everything. I can't enjoy the moment.

Some background info:

• I went through an incredibly stressful time last year in my life which did make me very anxious. This has not quite been resolved.
• My recent blood test showed nothing was wrong. .
• I'm 40

The above has had a big impact on my life to the point where I feel unable to do my job and feel like I could be a much better parent.

Anyone been through similar or can advise what to do about it?

It’s most likely burn out

I feel a dullness that I've not had before. I 'm not doing fun things or don't enjoy them as much, I stick to routines and am chronically overthinking everything. I can't enjoy the moment

This is one of the hallmarks of depression. All of the other "brainfog" like symptoms you are describing are often present too. I used to get the exact same thing when I was in the grip. Couldn't think straight, couldn't solve problems, couldn't abide stimulation, couldn't digest conversations.

You should talk to your GP as an absolute minimum.

Sounds like a perfect storm of ADHD/estrogen dropping/ & stressful life events colliding

Not everything is autism or adhd.
It is being diagnosed even when other circumstances can explain the symptoms. Environment is no longer considered. It is over diagnosed and that needs to stop - with licenses being revoked for practitioners who are so fixated on these neuro developmental conditions that they can’t see anything else

I looked up ADHD in women and it does seem a lot like that, but as this is something that has happened in the last few months, I am not sure it could be that, though I will mention this to my doctor.

It's horrendous. Going to have to chat to work to make adjustments. I can't continue like this as it is becoming obvious to everyone that there is a problem and I have no idea why.

Yes, couldn’t agree more with this. Even if you go through the long, and probably expensive, process of getting a ‘diagnosis’ of something what then? You still have to work/be a parent/take part in life.

You have been through a very stressful time. That is part of being human and you must allow yourself time to recover.

Reaction to the anxiety, possibly perimenopausal?

How much vigorous exercise and fresh air do you get on a daily basis op?

It’s sounds like depersonalisation/derealisation which s horrible. It often accompanies severe anxiety and the brain detaches to protect itself.

https://nhsuk-cms-fde-prod-uks-dybwftgwcqgsdmfh.a03.azurefd.net/mental-health/conditions/dissociative-disorders/

Thank you. It does actually feel a bit like depersonalization / derealisation because there is a constant fog between me and the world. I have to wade through it to remember something as simple as time to get ready for my doctor's appointment.

Since first posting, I have actually reduced my work hours because I just couldn't function and not being able to do my job was causing me more anxiety. Since then, the symptoms have lessened a bit and I've connected a bit more to my reality (e g. remembered a few important things I need to do though haven't done them yet) but other than that there is still a haziness and forgetfulness that I carry around.

If it is stress related then it's astonishing how the brain can just collapse like that. I honestly thought I was coping quite well up until a few months ago all things considered!

It could be deep depression. Hopefully there is some medication that will help, alongside therapy. So sorry.

Everything you describe can be a reaction to trauma - not necessarily PTSD but our bodies and minds have a way of protecting us from overwhelm which can include depersonalisation and psychological avoidance which is a sub conscious process. Medication can help, as can therapy but sometimes it just takes time to process what has happened and how we feel about it.

Its not uncommon for someone to cope during the stressful event and collapse afterwards, when you are safe enough to start feeling the impact.

Have you been to your GP? I thought I had anxiety, my GP referred me for talking therapies, I did a PTSD risk assessment about my MH and I ended up scoring 58. Anything above 33 is considered high. About a month later I was diagnosed.

Since I’ve had intense CBT and it done me a world of good! If you are concerned at all it’s definitely worth speaking to your GP.

Sending you well wishes