Post-strangulation assault- ADHD like symptoms?! zero focus or concentration etc

[MilkTray]

I’m sorry if this post will trigger anyone, but I can’t find answers anywhere.

I have always been a quick learner and hard worker, but since getting with my ex now, and after the assault, I noticed my work pattern has gone down to drain. I started lacking consistency- become forgetful and lost concentration and focus. My work ethic went down to drain and I would spend ages procrastinating.

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After this- I can’t concentrate at all. I can’t focus on work, I forget things within seconds- for example, I walk into a room to pick something only to forget what I came here for. It is constant! I procrastinate, I can’t focus at all. If I start one thing I end up doing 5 other things and nothing is finished as a result!

I was given antidepressants by my GP and recently prescribed a higher dose- but my mood has lifted- but these symptoms haven’t changed at all.

Has anyone with similar experience dealt with similar things? I’m trying to google answers and I came at some studies that it can occur a small brain damage with strangling that can cause this? Unless this has just triggered some undiagnosed adhd I knew nothing about?
( as a part of me doing my actual work- I google this trying to find answers and cure myself as I lost hope in gp and anything else) as Ive been struggling for a while now and If I dont fix my brain I won’t be able to pay my bills. and I need a magical cure to get myself back to work ( which I actually loved!)

[Bananaboat]

You’re not alone, recently I’ve been struggling doing pretty much exactly this. I start something at work then do half a dozen other things, forget what I’m doing and procrastinate. I’ve tried focusing on one task at a time and end up just sitting staring at a screen. I can’t seem to finish anything and I’m getting really worried about delivering at work, which isn’t helpful as it just starts more worries. I’ve reached out for counselling but the waiting lists are long. I’m so used to sorting myself out it’s hard to admit when I can’t. Sorry no answers there but just wanted to share that you’re not alone x

[KindnessIsntAWeakness]

Hi MilkTray. I’m not by any stretch of the imagination a doctor! But some of the symptoms you’ve described sound like you’re suffering with depression – the lack of focus, the procrastination, the inability to finish things you started. Anti-depressants will of course help lift your mood, but I found that taking them alone didn’t necessarily deal with the route of the problem. Have you thought about looking into talking therapies as well as medication? It’s not for everyone but it’s really helped me at various stages of my life. And is something I’m definitely going to pursue once I’m feeling a bit more settled. There are group therapies (I think if you look on Mind they do regional ones) and there are a lot of therapists who specialise in abuse and DV. Might be worth a look if you think it could help.

Remember what you’ve been through is traumatic and it will take time to process and move past it. It’s so much easier said than done, but be kind and go easy on yourself. As I’ve said I’m definitely no doctor (!) but there might be a possibility that the experiences you’ve been through have triggered something that is also causing you to act in a way you didn’t before – you can always ask to see another GP if you want a second opinion.

There’s also a strong possibility that you are suffering with PTSD. Again, perhaps talking therapies could help with this.

I would really encourage you to head back to your GP (or another one!) – WA has a lot of helpful links, as does Mind. I know you feel there’s a time pressure to sort yourself out but try to lift that (or ignore it if possible), as that might not be helping. Be as kind and gentle to yourself as possible ❤️

Sorry I can’t be more help. My answers are only based on my experiences but I hope there is something you can take from my message that is of comfort or help! x

[Blankcanvas]

Maybe it’s the shock and fear. Clouding your thoughts.
Adrenaline causing you to feel distracted.
Can you not have a pen and pad to write down your jobs, to dos, what’s next etc? Just to gain a little focus and prompting when your mind goes adrift. To help refocus you.
Retrain your mindset again and after so long you may find that you are getting your clarity back and your notes won’t be needed.
Fear affects me in a way that I freeze. I just want to sleep till it’s over. But try to put positive strategies in place to help. In my experience there will be times of quiet but while it feels hectic/chaotic do what you can to get through. X

[Eggshells]

When I read your post I thought “reptilian brain”. I learnt about this when learning why children have mind blanks during exams. When we’re stressed or frightened we go into reptilian brain. Blood is diverted away from our major organs (including the cortex of the brain) to our muscles. This prepares us for fight or flight. The cortex largely shuts down and the limbic system takes over. The limbic system is instinctive only (reptiles only have a limbic system – no cortex). We do all of our thinking in the cortex. During times of stress, the cortex is put on the back burner by the limbic system so we can’t think clearly.

Anti-depressants can also cause brain fog.

I’ve skimmed through the replies above and by now, you’ll be starting to understand that there are so many complexities and so many things that could be causing this. It can even be age related (e.g perimenapause) You really need to talk to a GP to help you get to the bottom of this.

[MilkTray]

I phoned GP but it’s so hard to get through it, so I need to try again on Monday morning. I’m trying things like meditation, cbt app that helps with motivation, I joined local women walking groups and did 6 am seaside walk etc. I’m signing up to the swimming pool etc. and I try to eat well.
I stopped smoking and barely drink these days. I actually went out with friends for the first time in a few months where I had a really good time, but I completely stopped drinking at home. I never really had drinks issues, but I would have sometimes a bottle of wine on Saturday when alone while ex was out and about. I realised this just caused more anxiety so other than just out with friends – I stay away from alcohol and cigarettes not to trigger anxiety.
I had therapy for 6 weeks but it ended now and awaiting any further. I’m on a list with GP, and any other organisations, but there is literally nothing else now. I don’t know if anything else – I tried all organisations and I was put on the list, I know I’m on referral for the freedom programme, but it’s been quite a while and I’m quite left on my own atm.
I also live on my own, and I tend to get depressed when I don’t do much work and I go into a circle of self-guilt and just want to sleep. Medication is clearly not working – but it did help with lifting mood.

I was just wondering if there is any more inside me issue or if any women struggle with that too? as im really worried about my future.

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