OpenHealth Q&A

Am I Losing My Mind?

Hello, fellow Redditors! This is my first time posting, and I’m on my phone, so please excuse any unusual formatting or phrasing. I’m a 19-year-old female who relocated to the city around two years ago. A few months into my move, I started working at a golf and curling club during the curling season, beginning in January. I really enjoyed the schedule—early mornings were my thing, with a start time at 4:30 am. There was quite a bit to accomplish each morning to get ready for the first group of curlers, which took around three to four hours. Eventually, this routine became second nature to me. Fast forward to the summer, when the curling rink transitions to storage, and the ice is removed since the golf course opens up. I still had early mornings, now at 5:30 am, and I didn’t need to mentally gear up for these early starts—being accustomed to the curling hours helped a lot. My first year flew by without any issues, and the following curling season also passed without a hitch. However, this spring and summer have been different. While I was out working alone on the course, I often drove in a cart and thought I heard someone calling my name. It wasn’t loud, more like a soft murmur, but it didn’t seem close by, so I assumed it was just a golfer speaking to someone else with the same name as mine. I experienced this several times but didn’t think much of it. On top of that, I’ve been suffering from intense headaches, and I sometimes find myself forgetting what I was doing for about half an hour at a time. There have even been moments where I have a hard time remembering how to use various pieces of machinery, leaving me sitting in front of them, staring blankly until something clicks. Today was particularly concerning. I was explaining to one of the summer hires that waking up early hasn’t been problematic for me due to my curling rink experience. Curious, I inquired with a year-round colleague about how early he recalls waking up, expecting some solidarity about the 4:30 am wake-up call. Instead, he stated the earliest is actually 7:30 am. Puzzled, I asked another year-round worker, and he echoed the same response: 7:30 am. But I clearly remember being at work by 4:30 am!? The only reason I haven’t visited a doctor is that I’ve been under considerable stress recently, leading me to doubt my own memory. I suppose I'm just here to vent a bit and see my thoughts laid out. How bizarre is this?

Answers (1)

8/14/2025, 2:20:52 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’ve been experiencing some worrying symptoms like memory lapses, headaches, and auditory hallucinations. It's completely understandable to feel concerned, especially when these experiences are new and unsettling. Let's break this down and focus on the most important steps you can take.

Key Points:

• You're experiencing memory loss, confusion about previous work hours, headaches, and possibly hearing things that are not there.
• Stress can certainly impact mental clarity and memory, but your experiences merit further attention.

Explanation:

Memory issues and headaches can stem from various factors, including stress, fatigue, anxiety, or even physical health conditions. It’s common for stress to manifest in different ways, including cognitive difficulties. However, the combination of your symptoms suggests it would be wise to take them seriously. Young people might not often consider certain health issues that could affect their cognitive functions.

Next Steps:

1. Prioritize Self-Care:

   • Ensure you're getting enough rest, as sleep deprivation can worsen memory and cognitive performance.
   • Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet, as physical health can significantly affect mental clarity.

2. Journal Your Symptoms:

   • Keep a daily log of your symptoms (e.g., when you experience headaches, memory lapses, or any auditory perceptions). This will help you identify patterns and triggers.

3. Practice Stress Management:

   • Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light physical activity, which may help reduce stress levels.

4. Seek Professional Guidance:

   • Consider seeing a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in detail. Bring your symptom journal, as it will help in understanding the situation better. This is especially important since the symptoms you described might indicate something that needs further exploration.

Reassurance:

Remember, you are not alone in feeling this way; many others experience similar challenges. Addressing them early on is a positive step towards feeling better. It’s commendable that you’re taking the time to think about your health and seek support. If you feel things worsens or you become increasingly concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out for help sooner.