Forgetting words

[MindfulMoment]

Not sure what’s going on but the last couple weeks I’m noticing I can’t think of words. I know what I want to say but I just can’t seem to access the right word. I’m constantly saying “oh I can’t think of the word” or “what’s that thing again.” Could this be stress related or a medication side effect or something? I’m not forgetting anything else or getting lost or having memory loss. Just like the words are just poof! Gone. Anyone else experience this? It causes me a great deal of anxiety because I feel like my mind is going blank and I feel embarrassed. No one has mentioned it to me yet and I haven’t asked if anyone notices but I certainly do. Multiple times a day.

[Agora1]

Hi MindfulMoment this has happened to me at times as well. It tends to happen when I have so many things on my mind that my mind is going faster than the words can come out. Of course if you are concerned please check with your doctor. Stress and Anxiety can be the cause. Try to breathe and relax when talking. Allow your thoughts to come naturally and not forced. You are not alone. xx

[Dback]

I'm 61..but my word loss started about 5 years ...I know others who have had same issue...and some who don't...It could be medical or not. I get anxiety and depression...I know that has to affect memory and word recall...but I also know puzzles, games and interactions with others does help..just me responding, typing this now..

[MindfulMoment in reply to Dback]

I think you’re right. I have spent many years isolating myself off and on. Being afraid to leave home and interact with the world. I’ve just really started being apart of the world again. Perhaps my social skills are lacking a lot. Puzzles and games are a fantastic idea to keep my brain active and stimulated. Thanks for those ideas!

[mentalhealthandme]

Yes I can relate to this my mind is constantly going blank! I can never think of the word I need and it leaves me saying nothing so I don't sound "stupid". It's gotten worse this year

[Downinil in reply to mentalhealthandme]

I think it could be brain fog brought on by overwhelming emotions. I’m not sure but it scares me a little.

[MaggieSylvie in reply to Downinil]

Oh yes, I suffer from brain fog as well. I also get very tired and overwhelmed sometimes, and I'm sure that has a lot to do with it.

[MindfulMoment]

gosh what a strange symptom. In all my years of anxiety I can’t ever recall having that. I have been feeling really good recently and not overly stressed, maybe I’m just now noticing it. If it continues I’ll make an appointment to be sure something else isn’t going on and mention it to my psychiatrist at my Med appointment. For now I’ll choose not to be concerned and chalk it up to an exhausted nervous system and brain just trying to heal. Thanks all for your comforting replies!

[Downinil]

I experience that mysel. It takes longer than I’d like to think of how to verbally articulate what is in my mind. It is frustrating and embarrassing.

[MindfulMoment in reply to Downinil]

I experience that as well but this is different. I know what I want to say. I can articulate the sentence and then I’ll get stuck on a word I can’t think of and I just can’t seem to find the word in my brain. It’s like a total blank. So I look for a substitute word. I don’t know how to explain it other than I’m forgetting words.

[MaggieSylvie in reply to Downinil]

Sometimes I have the word and then when it's time to use it, it's gone.

[CLB1125]

I have it too! I definitely link it to the meds I take. My family understands and is sensitive to it. My darling husband is not! That’s another story! I agree talk to your doctor to be safe.

[mrmonk]

I've had this impairment for a number of years; it has gotten more and more pronounced with age. Although I have indicated having memory issues on medical intake paperwork, I don't think I've made enough of a fuss about it with my doctors. At my next neurologist appointment, I plan to make a point of stressing my concern.

[SayNOtoPanic]

Hi Mindful. To be honest there’s so many things that can cause that between anxiety, and being busy, your brain running faster than your mouth (like neurologically the thoughts come so fast but our body is like wait hold up I can’t spit the thought out fast enough), even meds, tiredness, to no reason at all. Just don’t over think it or over stress. You’re def not alone. I notice my short term memory gets hiccups when I’m overwhelmed and doing so many things and not focusing on one thing at a time. Try to take mindfulness breaks in the day when you’re on the go. Just to relax your brain and focus on identifying and relaxing. 🙏🏻

[woo79]

I've recently discovered my memory & cognitive function declines due to my B12 deficiency.

[Ryanlion]

Don't worry too much about it, I'm pretty sure it's your medication. Since I have been on Venlafaxine & tranquilizers I am the very same. I just can't find the word I need so I have to substitute it with another or ask someone by describing the object. They tell me the word & bingo then I remember it. These medications affect our memory but hopefully it will go back to normal when we can come off them. Relax about it.

[scansnap]

What you are experiencing is called a “word-finding problem.“ It occurs to everybody from time to time but more frequently with some than with others. You are certainly right in thinking that stress and anxiety might make this condition worse and it tends to increase as you get older.

By itself, it is not a serious problem, but if you are experiencing any other cognitive impairments, I suggest that you see a doctor.

I also experience this problem, and I have found that sometimes the reason you cannot think of the right word is because you mistakenly think that it starts with a certain letter and you keep trying to think of words that begin with that letter. In fact, the word you’re looking for does not start with the letter you think it does, and therefore you are looking in the wrong place and that makes it hard to find the word. If you stop trying for a little while, the word may pop into your head.

[SayNOtoPanic in reply to scansnap]

Thanks for this detailed info. So helpful.

[MaggieSylvie]

I can sympathise. I suspect others are not as aware of it as we are. When I'm writing something, I frequently have to leave a gap and come back to it or go for a synonym finder, and that usually does the trick. I blame the Pregabalin that I take at night but it might just as well be my age or my blood cancer not being able to send enough oxygen around, including to my brain. I haven't been to the doctor; I have too many issues!

[MaggieSylvie]

Good heavens, I have always taken a list when I go to a shop, but if I only need five things, even if I have a list, one of the items gets forgotten!

[hypercat54 in reply to MaggieSylvie]