Feel spaced all the time - am I losing my mind?

[Twilightobsessed]

I've never posted on here before and don't really know how to start writing this

I feel like I'm losing my mind. I feel spaced all the time, like there's cotton wool in my brain, and at times during the day I feel floaty and detached from reality.

That sounds nuts doesn't it

I forget things ALL the time. I know that on its own, forgetfulness isn't necessarily too worrying... but still I'm alarmed by the amount I forget these days. I also get words mixed up mid-sentence while I'm talking.. call people by the wrong names etc.

Also can be really irritable too at times. And lethargic. But it's this brain fog thing that's scaring me.

I put it down to lack of sleep at first (my children are 2 and 4 and have often woken in the night) but the nights have been getting better lately, but I'm getting worse (I started feeling like this about a year ago)

I'm not depressed or unhappy, though I do feel lethargic and fatigued. Can't remember when I last had any energy. I'm starting to feel scared that there's something wrong. Or - is this normal, being a mum? Does everyone feel like this?

I have 2 kids aged 10 months and 23 months and I feel tired most of the time but I don't have brain fog unless I've had a particularly bad night (like, up 4-6 times in a night if they're ill or something) and I don't think I'm more forgetful. My point is, it might be worth getting it checked out. If you don't think you're depressed, there's some hormone imbalances that can cause similar symptoms. I should add, I'm in no way medically qualified but I just think there's no harm in getting it checked out. Good luck

You should go to the Dr, it could be hormones or thyroid. It's best to get it checked out.

Ok. I hadn't thought of thyroid / hormones. I'll see the GP just to make sure all ok. Thanks x

I was also going to suggest anaemia too, it really can make you forgetful and feel a bit odd, especially the lower you iron level gets.

I would get yourself to the docs for a blood test which would check for all the things suggested.

Good luck

I'd echo the others, go and get your bloods done for all major vitamins/minerals - maybe you're not quite eating as well as you could as you're so busy with the children.

you're KNACKERED

it doesn't matter how much sleep you get, 2 under 5 is grueling

I only started feeling better this year and mine are 3 and 6

Agree you should see your GP.

I'd also look at your diet. Are you eating properly? Are you drinking enough water?

Do you eat a lot of sugar and processed carbohydrates - bread, biscuits, pasta, sweets/chocolate? I would start by cutting these down. One of the symptoms of an imbalance of Candida Albicans (also the cause of thrush) can be a feeling that you're drunk/spaced out all the time, apparently. Start eating less processed food and more vegetables as a source of your carbohydrates.

You could also try a vitamin B supplement, like Berocca - it's supposed to help with neurological function and give you energy/keep you feeling 'sharp'.

And do you get the chance to do any exercise? If you can, try getting out for a walk every day, even if it's just for 15-20 minutes.

I was like this for ages, and dr did a lot of blood tests, my iron levels were low, but I also had low blood pressure. I am pregnant now, and am really aware of times when my bp dips, as I feel really lightheaded and dizzy, and have that spaced feeling you describe.

Go to the drs and have some tests and bp done - good luck.

Thanks so much everyone. I really appreciate your responses x

Right I have a plan. BecauseImWorthIt - you mentioned candida, which I suffered from about 10 years ago, except my symptoms then were all eczema / skin. So it didn't occur to me. But my diet these days is terrible - I eat fruit n veg, but also a load of caffeine, chocolate, biscuits and booze - so that's the obvious place to start.

SO - will give the anti candida diet a go, as far as possible. Definitely cut out all the obvious risk foods, don't think I can survive without too many carbs tho so may have to keep stuff like potatoes in. Even if the problem's not candida, diet and nutrients feels like a good place to start. I don't really need to lose weight so have to be a bit careful.

If I still feel like this is 2-3 weeks then I will def go to the GP.

I'll post again with an update, in case anyone else reading this is in the same boat

Thanks again. Feel more in control now

I have had the cotton wool in brain feeling - I get it when I am under a lot of stress, especially emotionally, or when I feel my life has no direction, and especially when I have not had enough sleep.

i have this feeling and am pregnant feel almost like i'm high, like im floating outside of my body. i went to the doctors yesterday and my blood pressure is towards the lower end, but he said its probably a virus and i need to rest until it gets better on its own.

cant help but feel that he was fobbing me off though, especially as i have fainted cause of low blood pressure in the past...

Just in case this is of interest to anyone I thought I'd come back with an update..

For nearly 3 weeks I've cut out alcohol, caffeine, all food containing sugar and white flour, and reduced my intake of dairy. I've eaten more veg, lots of water, and some live yoghurt every day. I've started running a bit too when I can.

After a few headaches and some hellish sugar cravings to start with, I now feel amazing. The brain fog has gone and I have more energy. I'm not bouncing off the walls, but I'm finally feeling healthy and 'normal'.

Excellent news. I love to hear how you can make a difference to your life through diet.

Keep up the good work

Good, only just come across this thread, I was going to suggest low bp and low blood sugar levels.
I get like ths a lot, I need to eat little snacks through the day to keep my blood sugars up.