Do you find yourself caught in a loop of intense worry and mental fog? Anxiety disorders may be the culprit.
While the physical manifestations of anxiety—like muscle tension, nausea, or shortness of breath — are often present, stress also impacts the brain’s ability to process information.
At What Point Does Anxiety Become A Disorder?
Anxiety is characterised by feelings of fear, panic, or unease. When these symptoms persist, significantly impacting your daily emotions and behaviours, or when the anxiety is far greater than the event that triggered it, it’s seen as a disorder.
Varieties of anxiety disorders include:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Phobias
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
While only a mental health expert can offer a definitive diagnosis, these conditions often stem from factors such as genetics, environmental stressors, substance misuse, or alterations in brain chemistry.
How Does Anxiety Influence Our Memory?
The heightened mental activity linked to disorders such as GAD can disrupt our memory function, particularly in the short term. While it’s unlikely that you’ll forget entire years of your life or significant events, you may struggle to recall everyday details that would normally be effortless.
If you’re battling an anxiety disorder, you might notice yourself forgetting routine occurrences. This experience, often referred to as “brain fog,” can manifest as difficulty concentrating, feelings of confusion, and a sense of disorientation.
Why Does This Happen?
Anxiety-related memory lapses stem from various factors, all linked to how our bodies and brains react under stress.
- Elevated Cortisol Levels: Anxiety boosts cortisol, the hormone that activates our ‘fight or flight’ response in intense situations. In this heightened state, the brain prioritises reacting to danger over tasks like memory storage.
- Sleep Disturbances: Clarity of thought diminishes when struggling with insomnia, inadequate sleep, or unsettling dreams. Poor sleep not only impairs brain function but also serves as both a symptom and a cause of anxiety.
- Panic Attacks: Anxiety surrounding panic episodes can exacerbate stress, plunging the brain into a state where forming clear memories becomes challenging.
- Trauma: Recalling certain distressing events may trigger anxiety, prompting individuals to suppress or fragment painful memories as a coping mechanism.
Essentially, when our brains concentrate on combating threats flagged by anxiety, it comes at the expense of processing new information, resulting in memory lapses.
Breaking The Cycle Of Anxiety And Memory Loss With The Cedars
At The Cedars, we understand the challenges of living with anxiety and memory lapses. Our dedicated team offers personalised support and evidence-based treatments to help you regain control. Through therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches, we work with you to break free from the grip of anxiety and reclaim your cognitive clarity.
Get in touch with us today and let us guide you towards a brighter, more balanced future.