Brain Fatigue: Why Do We Struggle with Focus and Motivation?

Q: Brain Fatigue: Why Do We Struggle with Focus and Motivation?

Hello Mr. <br>Zeng： You have many questions, and I suggest discussing them one by one with your physician during your outpatient visit. <br>I believe the doctor will provide you with appropriate answers. <br>Symptoms that may be experienced by patients with depression include per

Why is the human brain so difficult to use effectively?

I have quite a few questions, and I don't know why, but when I sit at my desk, I either feel annoyed or sleepy.
Whenever I try to study, I have thoughts like, "What is all this effort for?" or "It's so frustrating; I don't want to study anymore." I wonder if this is related to depression.
My doctor prescribed me Efexor, but later realized that I am more of an anxious type of depressive patient.
Just taking Efexor wasn't enough, so he also prescribed Dogmatyl and Serenal.
One day, I suddenly wanted to stop taking Efexor, and I found that my mood and motivation improved significantly compared to when I was on the medication.
However, I later experienced withdrawal symptoms, but the issues seemed to resolve.
Then one day, I noticed I started feeling worried and fearful again, and no matter how many anxiolytics I took, there was no improvement.
I couldn't take it anymore and ended up taking one Efexor again, and surprisingly, I felt much better.
When I went back for a follow-up with my doctor, he said that reducing medication should be done gradually.
If I was worried that Efexor would make me drowsy, I could take both pills at bedtime.
Following his advice, I did that, and my sleep didn't decrease, but I felt a lingering fatigue throughout the next day, and my mood didn't change much.
Even while watching a movie, I felt nothing (I even had a cup of coffee to try to boost my mood).
At that point, I planned to stop taking Efexor again, just taking one capsule a week, as it is a 75 mg capsule, and I would go back to just taking the anxiolytics.
Returning to my original question, why does my brain send me so many feelings of annoyance? I can swear that I am not a lazy person.
Sometimes I get so frustrated with my disobedient brain that I feel like banging my head against the wall to see if that helps.
Why do other people's brains listen and function well while mine does not? I feel like the "resistance" in my neural pathways is much greater than in others.
I truly feel a sense of frustration.
I want to ask the doctors, you must have been very good at studying and spent a lot of time on it to become doctors.
Why can you fully commit and persist, while I cannot? You spend most of your life studying and working; don't you ever feel empty? Doing the same thing day in and day out, do you find that life is fulfilling? I really feel like I've become someone who only knows how to play since entering college and can't do anything else.
I even dislike myself for being like this.
I thought taking Efexor might solve my problems, but I feel like that medication is not much different from caffeine.
Initially, it lifts my mood, but after a few doses, I feel little effect, and my mood might even be worse than when I wasn't taking it.
Once I stop, withdrawal symptoms appear.
Why do I feel emptiness and loneliness when I do my own work? Am I really that kind of lazy person who doesn't like to work? When I sit at my desk, it feels like I am isolated from the outside world, reaching a sense of unease in a different space.
Doctors, please help me!

Zeng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/11/11

Dr. Sun Xiaoru reply Psychiatry

Hello Mr.
Zeng: You have many questions, and I suggest discussing them one by one with your physician during your outpatient visit.
I believe the doctor will provide you with appropriate answers.
Symptoms that may be experienced by patients with depression include persistent low mood throughout the day, loss of interest in life, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor retardation or agitation, feelings of fatigue and low energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts, decreased appetite, and weight loss (5% or more within a month), with these symptoms lasting for more than two weeks.
I wonder if your condition is that severe? The medication EFEXOR prescribed by your doctor is an antidepressant that is also effective for patients with generalized anxiety disorder.
Generally, the effects of antidepressants begin to manifest after about ten days to two weeks of adequate dosing, so I recommend that you do not stop taking the medication; you may need some patience while waiting for it to take effect.
Feeling a vague sense of fatigue and drowsiness throughout the next day is a sign that the medication is working, and your body will gradually adapt to this effect.
Taking an antidepressant once a week typically does not have clinical efficacy.
I wonder if your many negative views or comments about yourself and life are related to your depressive mood; I suggest discussing this with your attending physician.
Assigned physician: Dr.
Hsiao-Ju Sun.

Reply Date: 2002/11/11

More Info

Understanding brain fatigue and the struggle with focus and motivation is a complex issue that often intertwines with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Your experience of feeling overwhelmed, fatigued, and unmotivated while trying to study or engage in tasks is not uncommon, especially among individuals dealing with anxiety or depressive disorders.
Firstly, it's important to recognize that brain fatigue can manifest in various ways, including difficulty concentrating, feelings of boredom or frustration, and a general sense of lethargy. This can be exacerbated by the medications you are taking, such as Efexor (venlafaxine), which is commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression. While it can be effective for many, it may also lead to side effects like drowsiness or a feeling of emotional blunting, which you have described. The fact that you noticed an improvement in your mood and motivation when you reduced your dosage suggests that your body may be sensitive to the medication's effects.

The feelings of emptiness and disconnection you experience while studying or working could be linked to a phenomenon known as "anhedonia," which is the inability to feel pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. This is often a symptom of depression and can make it challenging to engage in tasks that once brought you satisfaction. It’s not that you are inherently lazy or unmotivated; rather, your brain may be struggling to process and respond to stimuli in a way that feels rewarding.

Your comparison of your experience to that of others, particularly those who seem to be able to engage fully in their work or studies, is a common cognitive distortion known as "catastrophizing." This involves assuming that others do not experience the same struggles you do, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. In reality, many people face similar challenges, even if they do not express them outwardly.

The question of why some individuals can maintain focus and motivation while others struggle is multifaceted. Factors such as genetics, environmental influences, mental health status, and even lifestyle choices play significant roles. For instance, individuals who have developed effective coping strategies, such as time management skills, mindfulness practices, or social support systems, may find it easier to stay engaged and motivated.

It’s also worth noting that the brain's neurochemistry plays a crucial role in motivation and focus. Neurotransmitters like dopamine are essential for the brain's reward system, and imbalances can lead to the feelings of fatigue and lack of motivation you described. When you engage in activities that you find rewarding, your brain releases dopamine, which reinforces those behaviors. However, if you are in a state of chronic stress or anxiety, your brain may not respond as effectively to these rewards, leading to a cycle of disengagement.

To address these challenges, consider implementing strategies that can help improve your focus and motivation. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break your tasks into smaller, manageable parts. This can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and provide a sense of accomplishment as you complete each step.

2. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce anxiety and improve focus.

3. Establish a Routine: Creating a structured daily routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which may help alleviate feelings of anxiety and improve focus.

4. Limit Distractions: Identify and minimize distractions in your environment when trying to study or work. This could involve creating a dedicated workspace or using apps that limit social media usage.

5. Seek Professional Support: If you continue to struggle with these feelings, it may be beneficial to discuss your concerns with a mental health professional. They can provide tailored strategies and support to help you navigate these challenges.

In conclusion, your experiences with focus and motivation are valid and can be addressed through a combination of self-care strategies and professional support. Remember that it’s okay to seek help and that you are not alone in this journey.

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