severe social anxiety and mental decline

I'm in my 30's now, and for me, probably due to many bad social experiences, my social anxiety has worsened over the years. Now i'm more alone than I have ever been, hardly if ever socialize with anyone other than my brother. But I worry that my brain has literally suffered because starting at about age 25, sometimes my brain will go blank for hours at a time and I won't be able to read,spell, or remember much. I'm afraid that if I don't get over my avoidance of social situations, and stay the way I am, my brain will continue to deteroriate. Anyone know of any studies on this?

I've had periods in the past where my mind would go blank like you describe, and lose track of time etc. I think personally that it's a coping mechanism for our minds. If it is constantly anxious whilst concious, and you're also getting poor quality sleep so there's no quality rest for it, there has to be a point where it'll simply 'shut off' for periods of time.

Have you seen a doctor about this? You probably should if you haven't already. It's definately a depressive symptom. Meds might help you get back on track to a point where you can do other things to help yourself with your SAD.

I wish you luck!

I think your brain is fine. Neurologically it's unlikely you've suffered a permanent mental decline.

Feeling comfortable with social interaction can be learned; it just takes a lot of practice.

Your blank periods sound indicative of depression. I suggest you see a doctor.

I think when you have anxiety and depression ect And get into the habit of not having a routine or social life.The brain doesnt get the stimulation it needs,and after a while i think it sort of goes stagnant.Your concentration goes,memory ect everything.And its probaly your anxiety worrying thats its damaged.They are all signs are depression,because the brain doesnt function like it should.

Easier said than done i know but if maybe you can start doing anything to get your brain going again,I find it hard to do much aswell,but ive started reading in bed again..and where as before i could only read for 30 minutes,i struggle to put a book down now.

rand0m_guy said:

I've had periods in the past where my mind would go blank like you describe, and lose track of time etc. I think personally that it's a coping mechanism for our minds. If it is constantly anxious whilst concious, and you're also getting poor quality sleep so there's no quality rest for it, there has to be a point where it'll simply 'shut off' for periods of time.

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I definitely agree. When I am in really panicky situations and I look back on them, I can hardly remember them, my mind was kind of spaced out for hours at a time!

You wouldn't have any actual deterioration in your brain, I wouldn't worry about that. It's just like your brain being unfit. If you don't exercise your body, it gets unfit, and the same with your mind.
Also, that is a symptom of depression like others have said, inability to concentrate, focus, remember, etc.

Danfalc said:

I think when you have anxiety and depression ect And get into the habit of not having a routine or social life.The brain doesnt get the stimulation it needs,and after a while i think it sort of goes stagnant.Your concentration goes,memory ect everything.

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Well said Danfalc. I totally agree, this is what has happened to me as well, so I have no doubt that it's true.