Five Months of Severe Mental Fog
I’m a 21-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 4 inches and weighing 115 pounds. My current medication includes Lexapro, which I initially began taking at a dosage of 5mg in March 2025 and increased to 10mg as of May 21, 2025. Honestly, I’m grappling with substantial mental health challenges, including major depression, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and OCD. After returning from my sophomore year of college in May, where I faced bullying, I began preparing for the upcoming fall semester. However, I was struck by an overwhelming wave of depression that felt immobilizing. I was in such a low place that I completely overlooked the option of reaching out to my doctor via telehealth, a method I had previously relied on consistently. Despite my struggles, I attempted to push through, but this only exacerbated my situation. Over the course of five months, I found myself initiating various activities but failing to see them through. I even enrolled at two different universities while neglecting to focus on my junior year at my original college. In an unusual turn for me, I started attending church regularly, a practice I had never engaged in before. Additionally, I missed numerous job opportunities because I was too incapacitated to click a link to apply. Even simpler tasks, like sending an email or making a quick phone call to my former employer for potential rehire, eluded me. I went through interviews only to ask irrelevant questions and missed basic inquiries like, "Could I have your contact information?" or "What hours are available for work?" I repeatedly forgot about a job opportunity I already had lined up—making just one phone call could have secured it. For months, I found myself locked in conflicts with my parents about the necessity of returning to school. Each time I reached out to the school, I'd become sidetracked by other commitments. For example, I would prioritize a work-related test recommended by my dad, neglecting the crucial call I needed to make regarding housing at my school. It felt as though I was in a constant state of forgetfulness, frequently voicing my frustration about my absent-mindedness, setting reminders that went unheeded, and continually overlooking my obligations. By the time I realized a deadline had passed, I often ended up canceling opportunities I truly desired. I even stopped writing to-do lists, an activity I used to relish and which was typically a staple in my life. I used to cover my walls with sticky notes filled with tasks, but I fell out of that habit for months, as if I had completely forgotten the straightforward solutions to my challenges, almost as though I had never encountered them before.
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 8:10:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant mental fog and challenges associated with your mental health conditions, especially amid the pressures of returning to school and job opportunities. This can indeed feel overwhelming and frustrating, but there are steps you can take to address these feelings and regain clarity.
Understanding Your Experience
Mental fog can stem from various factors, including depression, anxiety, stress, and the side effects of medication like Lexapro. When you’re juggling multiple mental health conditions, it’s common to find it tough to concentrate or follow through with tasks. You also mentioned having a hard time reaching out for help, which can compound feelings of isolation and frustration.
Next Steps to Consider
Here’s a prioritized list of actions you can take to improve your situation:
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Reach Out to Your Doctor: This is a critical first step. Share your experiences of mental fog and how Lexapro may be affecting you since the dosage was increased. Regular communication with your healthcare provider can lead to adjustments in treatment that better suit your needs.
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Establish a Routine: Structure can help combat mental fog. Start with small, manageable tasks. Try scheduling specific times for simple activities each day, like checking emails or making phone calls, to rebuild your sense of accomplishment.
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Use Reminders Effectively: If sticky notes helped you in the past, consider using digital reminders or apps to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Setting alarms for specific times can prompt you to engage in required activities.
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Limit Commitments: It may be beneficial to temporarily reduce your commitments. Focus on one or two priorities at a time, whether that’s school-related tasks or job applications, to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
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Practice Self-Compassion: Acknowledge that you are dealing with several challenges; allow yourself some grace. Remember, it’s okay not to be perfect, and every small step counts.
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Consider Support Groups or Therapy: Engaging with others who share similar experiences can provide validation and support. If possible, talk to a therapist about coping strategies for overcoming inertia and enhancing motivation.
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Incorporate Mindfulness Practices: Even brief moments of mindfulness or meditation can help center your thoughts and reduce anxiety. This could be practiced through apps or YouTube videos that guide you through brief exercises.
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Stay Physically Active: Gentle physical activity, like walking or stretching, can help improve your mood and mental clarity.
Moving Forward
The feelings you’re encountering are valid, and taking these steps not only focuses on alleviating mental fog but also emphasizes self-care and mindful progression in your goals. Remember, progress may be slow, but even small steps can lead to significant improvement in your overall well-being. You're not alone in this, and help is available. If you need further guidance or clarity on any of these steps, don’t hesitate to ask.
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