Poll Swiss Cheese Brain a PTSD Side Effect?

[BloomInWinter]

When I'm stressed, I have trouble remembering even simple, everyday words. There was one time I was trying to say something to my daughter and I couldn't find the word I was looking for. All I could think of was words about it...

This is called, I *believe*, "nounal aphasia" and my T. said it's related to the anxiety...and gets worse when the anxiety is worse and better when I can do grounding, mindfulness...get the activation level down.

It SUCKS!

 

[Grace11]

my T. said it's related to the anxiety...and gets worse when the anxiety is worse

Oh, this I definitely experience.

 

[ronin47]

One of my coaches literally told me, "You have the consistency of Swiss Cheese." :O_o:

 

[Gamereign555]

Yeah my counselor asked me 'how do you feel today' and I just didnt know how to answer her.

 

[Invisible-Guy]

Dylan, you nailed it!

 

[Anna]

I have terrible problems with my short term memory. I just make an excuse like I didn't hear the person first time and if they could repeat it etc... It is very difficult.

Also I keep a family planner on the wall with all important appoinments etc... or when the car needs its MOT etc etc.. Otherwise I would just forget.

 

[Zef]

Yes. . .now which one is the Swiss cheese? :)

I have noticed that the more activated my other PTSD symptoms are, the more cheesier(?) my brain becomes. . .sucks when you can't think of your wife or kids name.

 

[p-no]

I have the Swiss Cheese brain when everything is "normal", i.e. when there is little (!) work, when there are no (!) problems and life just is. If I can spend that time with things I like, I'm fine. If I'm supposed to still understand what people tell me, well, good luck. :D

On the other hand, when there is a work load that makes all the so-called normal people go wild or scream in anger because it's too much (has happened various times), I thrive (and so does my brain). It's like that high a stress level is my own normal. I really think that's because I am just so effing used to that incredibly high stress level so when it's lower, I can't get my brain to produce what is needed to keep it running smoothly.

My boss (and the former ones) sometimes look at me as if I'm totally stupid (nice, quiet days) and in high-stress jobs or times at work I will just get promoted, offered jobs higher up, etc. Always. Has happened at every single job (but the short-term ones).

 

[p-no]

sucks when you can't think of your wife or kids name.

With you on that! Sucks also after your birthday each year when people ask how old you're then and you really have to do the math for two or three months.

I have made it a habit to put on a little show and make fun of it (buys me time to think of the correct answer). Seriously. As in: "How old am I again, let me see..." plus corresponding face and tone, exaggerated. The ones who asked giggle and I can come up with the answer. :D Seriously. I mean, I have to make life a bit more fun otherwise I'd just be crying all the time.