Thrown off balance

Grey24

So this is going on as long as 3 years and I'm not sure if what is the reason.
I am a 21 year old student and this is my 5 year in college, the problem started from what I remember was in second year of my undegrad degree. Basically I get mind-fog severally badly when I need to get things done like for example assignments, coupled with a lack of concentration while doing things, rushing things or not bothering to do them until the very last minute is bothering me. But the worst thing is the lack of motivation and the mind fog because I love what I do in college but this is making things more difficult than it is! I have been to counsellor for stress related issues where I would spend hours in the library doing work and stressing out about it to my situation now where I do what I have to do to get by. Some times its like I'm on flight mode where I do things mechanically without even thinking about it. I did go through a dark time for the first two years of college but came out the other side better again. I'm unsure how to 'fix' myself.

CaraMay

How is your diet? Certain allergies etc can cause brain fog. Pop into your gp and get blood and stool tests done and see what they come back with.

discus

Diet severely affects ability to concentrate. Mind fog is an awful thing, and you should push to get allergy testing.

Rekop dog

You're in your fifth year by 21, so you've clearly got your sh*t together enough to reach that point at such a young age. Procrastination and leaving things to the last minute is basically the same story for most young students, so I wouldn't be giving yourself too hard a time.

m-a-i-

Been there OP. I've found that studying or doing things in small segments are what kept mind fog for me at bay.

I was in a particularly tough course and having had no experience with regards to some aspects of the course I would almost vomit or my brain felt like it would explode even looking at the things... I sat down and thought of what is it that I'm really struggling with and see if there was a different way to approach it. Are there people that I can talk to... was there a new way of studying.

I found only studying small bits for a half hour of that subject or problem, taking a walk and going back to it worked absolute wonders for me.

Try not to be so hard on yourself op. see if there is an outlet that you can do, maybe the gym or singing or something that you enjoy so that you know if you get through the not so nice stuff there is something at the end of it

laserlad2010

Hi OP,

This sounds more like being overwhelmed, especially with stress related issues in the background. Can, and does happen to high achievers - you mention that you have been in college since 16?

You are better off dropping down to the GP to chat about stress rather than wasting money on those blood tests - nonsensical stuff about allergies?!?! Allergies don't just come along when your work gets stressful. I don't want you pinning this on a potential medical diagnosis OP, and this is coming from a medical professional.

Lots of people get "mind fog" - you need coping mechanisms and perhaps a sense of alternate perspective - take some time to enjoy life outside college. This isn't meant to sound condescending but you'll have to learn how to beat it - micromanage your workload into small chunks and eat them one at a time