forgetfulness brain fog sleeping too much - #11499
I am 21 years old with a history of heavy alcohol for 3 years I quit recently. I was too okay 2 months ago doing well suddenly something bad happened in my life i went under extreme thinking and guilt and now , I have symptoms like: • Sleeping 12-14 hours a day but still tired • Forgetfulness, poor focus, brain fog • No motivation or interest in activities • Loss of appetite (on/off) • Weird dreams, sometimes head feels shaky, occasional blurred vision My liver, kidney, and cholesterol tests are normal (though bilirubin was high 5 months ago). I have no pain or fever. I want to know if this could be from alcohol effects, vitamin deficiency, thyroid, or neurological/ psychiatric causes
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Doctors’ responses
our symptoms (sleeping too much, brain fog, poor focus, low motivation) can occur after heavy alcohol use, especially if there are vitamin B1, B12, or vitamin D deficiencies.
Stress, overthinking, and guilt can also trigger depression/anxiety, which worsens tiredness and poor concentration.
Other possibilities include thyroid imbalance, anemia, or neurological causes, so tests like thyroid profile, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and CBC are needed.
For now, take regular sleep, balanced meals, avoid alcohol completely, and consider vitamin supplements (after tests).
Please consult a physician or psychiatrist soon for proper evaluation with timely treatment, both physical and mental health can improve greatly.
Considering your symptoms and recent history of heavy alcohol use, it’s possible that your current issues could be linked to withdrawal effects, nutritional deficiencies, or even stress-induced changes in mood. Alcohol abuse can lead to vitamin deficiencies, particularly B vitamins like B1 (Thiamine), B6, or B12, which can cause neurological symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and mood disturbances. Both acute and prolonged stress can also impact your cognitive function and mood, possibly contributing to your symptoms. Thyroid dysfunction could also play a role given that it can lead to fatigue, changes in weight, mood disturbances, and cognitive issues; testing for thyroid function would be a pragmatic step. Neurological causes like anxiety or depression could be an underlying factor, especially following a period of heavy stress or life changes, leading to fatigue, sleep disturbances, and lack of motivation. While neurological diseases are less common at your age, if there are any progressive or worsening symptoms, it’s important not to rule it out without further assessment. Given that your primary organ functions are normal per tests, a comprehensive evaluation including complete blood count, vitamin levels, thyroid function tests, and a mental health assessment could help pinpoint the cause. It might be beneficial to meet with your healthcare provider to prioritize these evaluations. Lifestyle adjustments like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and counseling can also support recovery. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you feel overwhelmed or if symptoms persist, as early intervention is key in management and recovery processes.
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