Those who suffer from anxiety are all too familiar with the immediate effects. It often causes an ongoing cycle of nervousness and general unease. In extreme cases, anxious behavior can lead to more severe symptoms like chest pain or panic attacks.
Those types of anxiety symptoms are well-known and understood. However, what most don’t realize is that anxiety can also impact your memory.
Anxiety and Memory Loss
Believe it or not, memory loss is a common issue that plagues those who suffer from anxiety. Generally, memory issues start small, making the symptoms take a back seat to more pressing matters.
Anxiety conditions can make it difficult to remember small details like task instructions or information you read. The longer symptoms persist, memory problems can escalate to forgetting conversations, events, and more.
But what factors play into these types of anxiety symptoms?
Hormonal Imbalances
In the scientific community, most agree that hormone issues are a significant factor in memory loss. The biggest culprit is cortisol. Cortisol is the so-called “stress hormone” that puts your body into “fight or flight” mode.
It also plays a part in memory formation. Unfortunately, too much cortisol can prevent those memories from forming. Those with anxiety have higher cortisol levels than usual, resulting in a decreased ability to create memories.
Distractions
Another factor is the anxiety itself. Those living with anxiety conditions are in a constant loop of distraction. You might experience ongoing worry that plays in the back of your mind regardless of what you’re doing.
The mental impact of anxiety makes it nearly impossible to devote your attention to a single task. Information gets lost in the shuffle, making it difficult to remember even small details from moments ago.
Sleep Issues
Lastly, there’s the matter of sleep deprivation. As your mind races, you might spend hours lying in bed trying to sleep. Anxiety causes all kinds of sleep problems, resulting in a snowball effect.
A lack of sleep can cause memory loss and negatively affect overall brain function.
Getting Help
If you notice your memory fading due to your anxiety, it’s time to get help. There are many options available. From online counseling to anonymous support groups, there’s plenty of support systems to help you overcome the effects of anxiety.
Author Resource:-
Alester Brown writes about physiotherapy. She advises people on health care, online therapy, anxiety discussion groups & depression message boards. You can find her thoughts at anxiety experts blog.
