Cognitive issues and work

[Wah]

Does anyone else have significant problems with their cognition as part of their depression? I am finding at present my mood is reasonably stable but i am unmotivated, lethargic and my brain is Slooow. It's like I cant string sentences together in my head. I have to read everything twice or three times before I can retain it. I am normally a very sharp, very logical and quick thinker. And it seems the harder I try to make myself focus and think more clearly the worse it is. 

I am on Newstart and supposed to be applying for 20 jobs a fortnight. What do I do when I can hardly get my brain into gear to manage the basics? I do not think i could hold down a job in my chosen profession at present and am reluctant to take anything on in case I cant manage it. I registered with an agency for locum work and did not declare my history of depression under health issues. I really don't know what to do.

Has anyone found any of the medications helpful with cognition? 

[Depression_Impression78]

I can relate to the slow thinking.  I'm much sharper these days, but a combination of anxiety, depression and unemployment certainly made my thoughts difficult to translate into words and I felt so dumb because it sometimes took me a few times to work out what people were saying (simple sentences! so frustrating).

[Doolhof]

Hi Wah,

I can relate to your issues and suffer from something similar, with forgetfulness added to the mix. It can be very frustrating. I have found the more I am concerned about it the worse it becomes. My depression and stress levels certainly have affected my cognitive abilities.

For me trying to find ways to relax and chill out helps. I also try to not feel too badly when I can't remember things, that way I reduce my stress levels.

I'm not sure if any medication could help with this. Do you have a Dr or some kind of therapist you could talk with regarding how you are feeling?

Trying to find employment can be stressful enough by itself. Are you connect to an agency that can help you in any way?

I'd like to encourage you to keep on trying for employment and seek ways to help with your issues.

Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools

[hope4joy]

Hi Wah,

thanks for your post. I relate to what you wrote - I'm also normally pretty quick-witted and on the ball but when depression strikes I can get very foggy. I try to think of the simplest of words and just can't remember them, and feel like when I speak I often substitute a wrong word in the mix, one that doesn't quite fit grammatically. It can make me feel incredibly self conscious and I hate going to work when I feel and act like this. But I'm learning to be kinder to myself and accept that sometimes this mode is part of my being and it is okay to be a bit below par sometimes. I'm also normally high-functioning so a bit of a lapse means I am still meeting my requirements at work. I'm starting to come out of a bad bout of depression and these symptoms are disappearing. And in a way I think persisting with work and other activities (despite feeling embarrassed) was really helpful. I've also just a few days ago started meds and am starting a new therapy to try to help combat the cycle of depression in my life. 

How are you doing at the moment Wah?

Kind wishes, Christina

[albyquirky]

I understand what you mean.

I'm a professional and work in a field with educated people, scientists, etc. 

I feel so stupid in comparison to my colleagues because I keep forgetting everything and get confused so easily over things that should be easy for me to understand. 

It is very frustrating for me to feel that I don't have control over my own mind. 😞

On the other hand, work does keep my mind active and I find that being busy really helps me feel better. I am probably my happiest when I'm at work. 

I find that drinking plenty of water and not over eating/consuming junk food during the day really helps with my clarity of mind. Also, taking regular breaks away from the computer screen. 

All the best with it. 

[Maureen]

Hello wah, I too am having the cognitive brain issues. One of my psychologists said it could be caused by my anxiety levels

. Not sure you have anxiety as well. I am currently taking a supplement called ginkgo brahmi. It helps with circulation, blood flow to the brain and elsewhere. Within a couple of weeks taking it I was using 'big' words I've never used before. I even had to explain their meaning to my colleagues. There can be side effects so contact a naturopath first. I still have cognitive issues but do believe gindigo has helped. Maureen