Problems with thinking

When we have been very unwell, our ability to think clearly can change. Concentration, memory, making decisions, understanding what it happening and completing tasks can all get worse.

Why does being ill affect my thinking?

Fatigue 

You might not feel that you have enough energy to pay attention to things even if you want to, making it difficult and tiring to focus on tasks.

Fear and Anxiety

When we are distracted by worries about being unwell or what the future might hold, this causes problems with being able to concentrate.

Low mood

Feeling low in mood can lead to memory and thinking problems because it makes it difficult to focus and remember positive things.

Effects of severe illness

Being ill can change our body and brain. This can range from small to large, and from temporary to permanent.

Sleep

When you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, this can affect your memory and concentration and lead to lower alertness and concentration.

How can I manage my memory or thinking difficulties?

• Problems with memory and thinking are common after severe illness.
• If you are finding it hard to focus, try to reduce distractions, break tasks down in to smaller tasks, ask others around you not to disturb, take breaks, write things down, set reminders on your phone, try not to overload yourself with too many things to do, and remember to reward yourself for completing tasks
• If you are finding hard to remember things, writing things down (on pen and paper, or on your phone), having a diary or calendar to remind you of what has happened or is coming up, setting reminder alerts on your phone, and taking photos to jog your memory.
• It can also be helpful to stop and ask yourself:  What am I trying to do? How am I getting on? Do I need to do something different now? Do I need to take a break?