Sometimes, I find myself on the verge of recalling a word that dances just out of reach, lingering tantalizingly at the forefront of my thoughts. I can think of words that rhyme with it or come up with synonyms, yet the exact word I need—be it “backyard,” “blanket,” or “Ibuprofen”—eludes me. As a writer, I should have no trouble with common terms like “circumvent,” “evidence,” or “agitate,” but they seem to vanish from my mind just when I need them most.
Other times, I struggle to complete simple tasks that used to be second nature. Recently, while working on my taxes, I found myself unable to remember two crucial numbers from a bank statement—one for the date and another for the amount. Previously, I could easily commit those figures to memory and transfer them to my expense sheet. Now, however, my mind seems incapable of holding onto both numbers simultaneously. (And yes, I know exporting data is easier, but this is how I handle it.)
Clearly, my memory isn’t functioning as it should. This frustrating decline feels so pronounced that it almost seems tangible, as if there’s just a void where there once was clarity.
If any of this resonates with you, and if you’ve noticed memory lapses since the onset of the pandemic, you’re certainly not alone. I reached out on my social media to see if others were experiencing similar issues, and the response was overwhelming.
- “I completely blanked on the word ‘fork’ yesterday and just wanted to cry instead of speaking.”
- “I forget if my kids have had lunch—it’s a daily struggle.”
- “One day I ended up taking two showers because I forgot I’d already done it.”
- “It’s reminiscent of my chemo brain during cancer treatment.”
- “It feels like I’ve got pregnancy brain.”
- “I constantly grab my phone to look something up, yet I never remember what it was.”
- “My ADHD makes my memory terrible, but now it’s barely functioning.”
- “I’m 59 and thought it was just aging! Sometimes, I can’t recall simple words like ‘door.’
Does this sound familiar? If so, it’s highly likely that the stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting your cognitive functions. We’ve all endured a collective trauma—our reality has been reshaped by an invisible threat. For many, the little control we once had over our lives has been taken away. Even those who are healthy, still employed, and have food on the table often feel a profound sense of instability. Our health, jobs, and even basic necessities seem uncertain. The absence of toilet paper in stores raises worries about other items we once took for granted. Meanwhile, social media is rife with conspiracy theories, and mask-less gatherings continue as if the virus has vanished. The visibility of social injustices further diverts our attention from an invisible enemy. Everything feels out of control.
How Stress Impacts Memory
When we experience stress, our bodies produce adrenaline, preparing us for fight or flight. In manageable doses, this response can be beneficial, helping us focus and react swiftly in intense situations. While stress is a normal part of life and our bodies have adapted to handle some level of it, the ongoing panic and uncertainty brought on by a pandemic is a different beast altogether. It’s relentless, unfamiliar, and seemingly without end.
When stress persists, our bodies respond by releasing cortisol. This hormone typically follows a daily rhythm, peaking in the morning and declining throughout the day. However, chronic exposure to high cortisol levels can result in various health issues, such as increased blood pressure and a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. It can also lead to increased appetite and weight gain—and, notably, memory loss.
Cortisol affects the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory. Research indicates that prolonged stress and elevated cortisol can disrupt memory functions. This impact may be even more significant for individuals with PTSD or depression. So, if you’re a trauma survivor or dealing with depression and have been puzzled by your memory problems, pandemic-related stress could be the reason.
Interestingly, my own memory challenges began before the pandemic—coming out as gay and going through a divorce last year added significant stress before the pandemic hit. Now, the situation feels like an overwhelming cocktail of elevated cortisol. I’m just hoping for a respite from this constant stress, so I can reclaim my ability to remember why I walked into a room.
Suggestions to Help
If you, like me, are weary of being in a constant state of stress and struggling with memory issues, here are some suggestions to help:
- Meditate: Spend five to ten minutes focusing on your breathing, or try a meditation app. Even if you’re not typically into meditation, it can be beneficial.
- Maintain a Regular Schedule: Stick to consistent meal and sleep times to support your circadian rhythms. I’ve found it challenging to relax at night and often snack instead of eating regular meals. I definitely need to improve in this area.
- Eat Nutritiously: While stress often drives us to comfort food, it’s important to balance those cravings with nutrient-rich options that support your immune system and stress response.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Many of my stressors stem from feeling inadequate in how I am coping. Why can’t I just focus on baking sourdough or finishing my book? As a character from a favorite show would remind us, your reaction is simply that—your reaction. We’re allowed to feel overwhelmed, especially during a pandemic.
Let’s hope that applying some of these strategies can ease our stress and, one day, we can walk into a room and recall exactly why we entered.
For more insights into managing stress and memory, you can read this relevant blog post on Home Insemination Kit or explore expert advice on Cortisol and Memory. Additionally, if you’re curious about in vitro fertilization, check out this informative Wikipedia entry.
Summary
The pandemic has led to widespread memory issues due to stress, as many find themselves grappling with cognitive challenges that reflect their emotional turmoil. From forgetting everyday words to struggling with simple tasks, these memory lapses can be attributed to the overwhelming stress associated with our current circumstances. By incorporating mindfulness practices, maintaining a regular schedule, prioritizing nutritious eating, and practicing self-compassion, we can help mitigate these memory troubles.