Hi,
Yes absolutely - unfortunately part of the nature of depression is that it does affect our memory and thinking; making it much harder to learn. There are often ways to get around this and the good news is that it actually can be reversed.
Some ways can include:
- Brain training games such as Peak or Lumosity
- Looking at lectures online instead as this way you can pause it to take notes.
- Finding different strategies that might help with studies such as better ways to be organised, finding ways to better manage your time etc. Time management and task apps can also be handy to help feel on top of things.
- Looking into your uni support system and disability services. The term disability is used a bit carelessly but includes anything that might impact your ability to study including mental illnesses like depression.
- Making self-care a priority which includes sleep, exercise and food. Small changes can make a big impact on the way that we feel.
- Finding strategies to manage the depression in itself like therapy or having someone to talk to. Also working on our inner-chatter.
- Learning mindfulness strategies as this can help with attention and focus
Try to remember that even though depression can wipe us out and make us struggle with fatigue, focus on concentration - it most certainly doesn't make us useless, unintelligent or stupid. These are all things that we can work through.
