Communication skills

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After an extended period of stress I think I have experienced a loss of skills in communication, though I am struggling to communicate what it is exactly that I have lost. Has this happened to anyone else?

Then: In scripted or familiar small talk situations I was awkward but I got by. During long conversations I would zone out and listen in a distant muffled way, and reply with somewhat appropriate lines and gestures. Now: I flat out struggle.

Then: I was capable of deeper conversations, but with some unavoidable confusion regarding my perspective on the world. Now: the thoughts and images are present but I struggle to communicate them with accuracy, not that there have been many opportunities to communicate them verbally though. My spoken abilities are dependent on my internal state, I cannot think straight when I?m overwhelmed and I experience frustration surrounding this inability to communicate.

Then: I was employed at a professional level and my written communication reflected that. Now: My abilities in written communication are limited in comparison to how they were before. My written abilities similarly dependent on my internal state, and I experience frustration about my ability to communicate in writing.

I think that anti depressants have improved my cognitive functioning, but I have lost some skills.
Has anyone experienced something similar?

I can relate, however, for me at least, it doesn't seem to be limited to just communication. About two years ago I went through a period of about six months where I was under constant and extreme stress. After that was over, I just felt burnt out. I thought it would go away after some time but if anything, it feels worse now than it did then. Whether it is organizing my thoughts into a coherent sentence or simply trying to understand a complex system, my brain just doesn't work as fast as it used too. I can almost feel it thinking slower. Though if you are only struggling with communication skills, my recommendation would be to use them...a lot. The less you talk the harder it is. So even if it is mildly awkward at first, just keep finding excuses to talk to as many people as you can as the only way to get better at it is practice. Anywho, hope this helps some.
-Zach

It?s not only communication skills but I?m working on them first, your right of course about practicing talking. Thanks for the reply, it?s comforting to know that someone else has had a similar experience.

I became non verbal due to depression and anxiety. It was scary. I could no longer mentally formulate language. I went to the doctor's and all I did was cry - I couldn't verbalize at all.