Anxiety and Memory Loss

Anxiety and Memory Loss

Ah, so youve clicked this thread! Are you just checking this out or do you want to learn more about Whats the connection between Anxiety and Memory Loss? Either way, lets dive deeper into this topic!

First of all, what is Memory Loss? Memory loss (amnesia) is unusual forgetfulness. You may not be able to remember new events, recall one or more memories of the past, or both.

The memory loss may be for a short time and then resolve (transient), or it may not go away, and depending on the cause, it can get worse over time (Source)

Memory loss is a common symptom that can be seen in vast illnesses and side effects, such as Alzheimer, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease,Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, AIDS dementia, Neurosyphilis, Drugs and Medical treatments, medical procedures, and list goes on. Memory loss is a confusing and frightening symptom, but do not fret! Because one of the many factors that causes memory loss is Anxiety.

Anxiety? Yes, Anxiety can cause memory loss too! Anxiety is a really tricky illness, isnt it? And what are the symptoms of memory loss in anxiety?

~ Difficulty learning, remembering, and recalling new information.

~ Blocking information that you think you should know.

~ Difficulty remembering where you placed things, who you just called, what you just talked about, or what you were looking for or thinking about.

~ Uncharacteristically have difficulty remembering names, phone numbers, email addresses, or facts.

~ Things that you would not normally forget, you now forget.

~ Difficult to learn and grasp new concepts.

~ Takes much longer to learn, remember, and recall new things.

~ Seems like theres a ‘hole in your memory.

~ More forgetful than usual.

~ Concerned because your memory isnt as good as you think it should be.

~ Difficulty thinking, concentrating, and/or forming thoughts.

~ Easily distracted.

~ Your thinking feels like it is muddled and impaired (Some people describe this symptom as being foggy-headed.)

~ Normal intellectual tasks seem much more difficult.

~ Difficulty focusing on and carrying on conversations.

~ Uncharacteristically forget what you were doing or what you wanted to do.

~ It also may seem like you can maintain your focus and that you have a million thoughts going on at the same time all demanding your attention.

(Source)

Woah! Do some of these sounds like your problems? What causes people who struggle with Anxiety to have memory loss?

Stress increases the electrical activity in the brain. This causes the brain to create thoughts faster and splits your attention and focus, which makes learning difficult.

Stress responses suppress the rationalization areas of the brain (the cortex) and increase the activity in the fear center of the brain (the amygdala). This combination reduces the ability to logically rationalize and process information while at the same time increases the awareness of danger.

Acute or chronic stress can cause the suppression of the hippocampus - the learning and memory area of the brain.

Stress drains energy. When the body becomes tired, it has a harder time functioning normally. As well, studies have shown that the brain tires more quickly than the rest of the body, so an exhausted brain loses its ability to think, remember, and reason sooner than the body fatigues. Thats why when were tired, we dont think as clearly as when were not tired.

How to reduce/get rid of memory loss anxiety symptoms?

Since the symptom itself is caused by Anxiety, the best way to reduce/get rid of it are practicing relaxed breathing, increasing your rest and relaxation, not worrying about this feeling, reducing stress, seeking therapy, and enquiring with a doctor about medication. You can read more strategies here (Click me) and you can find more at our communitty here (Click me). The more you worry/stress about memory loss, the more you experience it!

In a nutshell, Anxiety and stress affects the brains ability to learn, remember, and concentrate. However, theres a lot of ways to cope with it.

Do you experience with memory loss due to anxiety? Share them with others if you'd like!

Additional sources:

https://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-symptoms/memory-loss.shtml

https://www.verywellmind.com/anxiety-and-memory-1393133

https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/signs/memory-loss

https://www.improvememory.org/memory-loss/diagnosing-mental-disorders-cause-memory-loss/

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-causes-memory-loss-4123636

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003257.htm

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-practice/201503/50-strategies-beat-anxiety