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B12 Recovery
I am a 25-year-old vegetarian male with long-term B12 deficiency (likely around 10 years). Last year my B12 level was 70 pg/ml and oral supplements did not help. This year my level was 155 pg/ml and I started B12 injections: 6 alternate-day injections, 6 weekly injections, followed by 2 monthly injections. My latest B12 level is 1168 pg/ml. Before treatment I had insomnia, stuttering, confusion, memory problems, and depression, which improved significantly after injections. My sleep and clarity are now much better, and I am able to understand clearly and focus for about 45 minutes or so, but then I lose interest.
My question: Now that I am about 4 months into treatment, I feel emotionally flat with low motivation to study and no urgency, whereas earlier I was driven more by last-minute pressure and stress. Is this expected during recovery, or could this be my baseline?
Answers (9)
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I want to acknowledge how much courage it takes to voice these struggles. Often, we treat mental health as a matter of 'willpower,' but as a physician, I can tell you that what you are experiencing has a real biological and neurological basis.
Your brain, like any other organ, can sometimes struggle to maintain balance under stress. Seeking treatment isn't a sign of failure; it’s a proactive medical decision to regain your quality of life. We can work together to understand the 'why' behind these feelings and find a structured path back to your baseline. You don't have to navigate this alone.
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Hello,
- You have described your history very clearly. It is good to see that your neurological and cognitive symptoms (confusion, memory problems, insomnia) improved after B12 correction. That suggests the deficiency was contributing significantly.
- Now regarding your current concern:
Emotional flatness and low motivation are not typical direct effects of high B12 levels. A level of 1168 pg/ml after injections is expected and not harmful in this context.
What you are describing can happen due to:
Residual or mild depressive symptoms
- Adjustment phase after long-term deficiency
- Your natural baseline temperament becoming noticeable now that stress-driven urgency is reduced
- Possible underlying attention/motivation pattern (e.g., procrastination driven by deadline pressure)
- Many people who previously functioned under “stress-driven motivation” feel less urgency once their brain stabilizes. This does not necessarily mean something is wrong. It may be a transition phase.
Next Steps
- Structure your study time (45-minute focus blocks are actually normal and healthy).
- Use scheduled breaks instead of waiting for motivation.
- Maintain sleep routine and physical activity.
Recheck thyroid function and Vitamin D if not already done.
Health Tips
- Recovery from long-term B12 deficiency can take several months neurologically, so some adjustment is expected.
- Take care.
- For more queries, Reach out for an online or in-person consultation:
📞 NEURONAL FIX CLINIC, RAMPRASTHA COLONY, Ghaziabad (near Shreshtha Vihar, Delhi) – +91-74XX52XX97XX67XX61
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Hey, I understand what you are feeling. First of all, good job on taking treatment timely. Often, after recovering from symptoms such things come, but there is a need to evaluate this further. Like, since when you have been feeling like this
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Please do consult the psychiatrist for proper evaluation.
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"Hi there, I understand that seeking help can feel overwhelming, but you’ve already taken the first brave step. I can guide you with a clear treatment plan tailored just for you, so you can feel better and regain control over your life. You can reach me directly on WhatsApp for quick support on seven zero eight two zero two two zero six two."
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Hi.. although b12 deficiency can cause these symptoms you may need a low dose anti depressant
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Detailed evaluation of your current symptoms are required to better understanding of course of your suffering..there must be some aggravating and environmental factors which must be affecting your symptoms
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Take online consultation today only to cut down your suffering
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A person's mood isn't dependent on one single thing. Our hormones, sleep, stress levels, relationships, achievements and even weather can alter one's mood. A more thorough discussion is needed to pinpoint the reason for this change in mood. Treatment depends on that. Reach out to a psychiatrist/psychologist and try a session to explore the reason behind this change in mood. Hope this helps.
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Dr. Kavita Bhutani (PhD)
Psychologist
20 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Earlier you were procrastinating and mind was in survival mode all the time due to internal ans external pressures both
Now the mind ia calming but does not know how to handle
U need to give it more structure
Take baby steps in organising things ans following. Timetable pick atleast two tasks thy u so t the Sam time everyday
Sunshine
Vitamin d
Smile
Keep going
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Dr. Durganjali B
Psychiatrist
9 yrs exp
Mumbai
Earlier you might have experienced improvement in symptoms with b12 as symptoms might have been a part of b12 deficiency. However if you are experiencing symptoms now,i would suggest you to consult a psychiatrist for detailed evaluation.
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