Stress and anxiety affecting my brain

Hi everyone. Has anyone had an issue with feeling stupid because of stress, anxiety and depression? I have read many articles related to it and feel it is affecting my cognitive abilities and, in turn, is causing issues with my job. I’m not entirely sure how to heal my brain except practicing mindfulness, meditation, etc. but need relief now. Please suggest anything that has worked for you.

[Hb2003]

I have felt stupid once I drink lavender tea before I go to sleep it calms me down

[Hidden in reply to Hb2003]

I purchased lavender tea but haven’t used it. I will try it. Thank you 🙏

[Hb2003 in reply to Hidden]

Your welcome it’s super good 😊

[psy_help_u]

Dont feel stupid..these feeling are real..accept them

[Hidden in reply to psy_help_u]

How do I accept them when it affects my ability to perform at my job and I constantly beat myself up for not being as good as others I work with?

[Hidden]

Hi Anxiousmom40!

Thanks for sharing. I feel like that all the time. I find humor in it so it's ok. I try to be as healthy as I can be and hope for the best. Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Please explain how you find humor in it and ways to deal with other people possibly judging you or having negative thoughts regarding your abilities.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I don't know I just do. No one is perfect and it is so apparent sometimes that I have to laugh. I don't like when people judge me. I don't judge me, I guess? It's like I used to try to be perfect but it's so impossible sometimes. I don't even know why I keep trying. Maybe I have a warped sense of humor. Don't let others bring you down.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I sometimes worry about other people judging me, but it is honestly getting less and less. I don't know. I pray for the people that are mean to me because they need it more than me. I hope that helps.

[Hidden]

Hi. I have a habit of kicking myself for my thought processes slowing down when I feel those things. I kick myself and then I realize "wait a minute. I'm feeling such-and-such, so no wonder". I'm getting better at giving myself permission to take a break and to go easy on myself. This isn't easy since we are our own worst critics, but it is essential that we do this. Can you give yourself permission to "feel stupid" (your words) when stressed, anxious and/or depressed? The very act of giving myself permission helps me . I hope this helps.🙂

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I work with a great deal of highly intelligent individuals so I find myself making excuses when I ask dumb questions or do dumb things, things I should know. I cannot seem to engage in thought processes that get me to the answers because of stress and then the anxiety kicks in followed by feelings of worthlessness (depression).

[Hidden]

I'm sorry you are feeling that way. I highly doubt you are dumb. I bet you are highly intelligent. Hope you feel better. You could talk to a therapist.

[Hidden]

Sometimes Anxiety and Depression especially in a work environment can be made worse by people around you at work and the problem can become worse and self fulfilling, even after you become well once more. Because of above I do worry that your confidence will take that wallop. Mindfulness will help you relax especially when you get home, it is important you relax and forget those negative thoughts you have suffered during the day

I know it sounds strange, you need to relax before bed so you will sleep. Go to bed and get out of bed the same time each day you should rise more refreshed and able to attack the day ahead.

Hobbies do help as well, going for walks does help mood as does swimming so going to a swimming bath also can help achieve a more positive outlook.

Have you talked to your Doctor, that should help you to move on as well

BOB

[No1wthayla]

I have similar issues Anxiousmom40. I had two years of bad performance reviews. I even received a written warning. I just couldn't get motivated to work. I hated my boss. I wanted to retire and get out of this place. But after my boss retired, I felt better. A co-worker of mine took the boss's job. She was wonderful. Then she moved after her husband passed away suddenly. And the new replacement is doing a good job.

I have felt more appreciated for what I do. And I have a bigger diversity in the things I do at work. It helps a lot but some days I just want to write and play on my tablet.

I still have problems talking. I can't find the right words and sometimes I lose my train of thought. Sometimes I talk really fast and my words all run together. I get confused when I talk to someone in person. But telephone calls are the worst. I don't answer the phone unless it's family. Kind of a bad thing when you get calls at work that you know you should answer.

Prayers and hugs to you. I hope you feel better soon.

[stalaiam12]

Hey, I can definitely relate to this. I have BPD II and there's a significant difference in my cognitive capabilities when I'm manic vs. depressed. When I'm depressed, my brain seems to process things much more slowly and seems scarily empty. I resigned from my last job because I couldn't keep up with the pace and I'm now looking for a 'less demanding,' more task-oriented job.

[Hidden in reply to stalaiam12]

That’s exactly how I feel. I process things slowly. It never used to be this way. I was on top of everything. I know it has a lot to do with the pandemic, having kids at home doing remote learning, stress and depression. What type of work did you do before you resigned?

[stalaiam12 in reply to Hidden]

I was a geologist. Had my dream job working for an environmental consulting firm. As soon as my depression hit I began to have trouble processing things, multitasking, understanding concepts. It was incredibly frustrating, after I'd been performing well at the job for about 6 months before I got depressed.

[11112020]

I know how you feel. Stress inhibits the prefrontal cortex, which inhibits our ability to think clearly, make sensible decisions etc. I definitely feel it happening to me. Meditation helps. For me visiting the website nderf.org (with an open mind haha) really helps. It contains spiritual experiences which soothe me.

[VDC1]

Hi, this is normal for depression. Depression literally depresses your central nervous system, which impairs your cognitive functioning. I struggle with it myself. I strongly recommend taking Omega-3 supplements daily. Also recommend taking Epsom salt baths, and getting some light exercise daily, even if you walk for only 20 minutes. If you live in a place where you’re not getting sunlight, get a sunlight simulator from amazon. I believe 100% each one of these would help you. Take care