No, we are NOT screwed for life. We may need to slow down to give our brains some space to strengthen and heal. It doesn't mean living like a hermit.

The average American lifestyle is very brain unfriendly, especially in towns like Vegas and Hollywood. What passes for entertainment is basically a gigantic assault on the brain. Average daily nutrition, sleep patterns, and even thought patterns also weaken the brain and especially the frontal lobe.

You just have to make a decision if you want to continue exposing your brain to that or not. There are lots of healthier alternatives.

Maybe just like, if a chick doesn't like you calling her a chick, she's not the chick for you -- if a friend can only be your friend by assaulting your brain, they are not the friend for you?

I agree that you should get your vision checked out if you haven't already. That can make a huge difference.

But you also need to give yourself some space and get your brain into optimal condition with nutrition, exercise, water, avoiding harmful substances, fresh air, and all the rest. After several months (MONTHS) of that, you may be able to slowly expose yourself to TV or something again. This is not a process that takes place over a few days.

If you can beg or borrow the money, I do highly highly recommend Dr. Nedley's program. He will do individual nutritional counseling and help you identify specific lifestyle factors that are affecting your brain health. Even if you can't go there, there is a quiz on his website that you can take that will show you areas you are negatively impacting your brain health.