Memory issues

[The_Possum]

Hey all

Has anyone found that their memory has been affected as a result or either mental illness or medication or maybe even both?

I didn't experience any mental health issues until last year but since then my memory has been not quite like it used to.

Sometimes I'll need to re read a page twice for the information to sink in. Or I might go into the kitchen and forget why I went in there.

I use post it notes a lot these days. As I'm studying I really notice it a lot.

I have raised this with my GP and psychologist but neither can tell me definitively whether it's having a mental illness or the medication. Just that I'll need to live with it.

Any input would be great. I'd love to read about others experiences with memory issues.

Thank you x

[white knight]

Hi the Possum

Google

Topic: invisible disabilities- beyondblue

Cheers

Tony WK

[jonjr]

Hi the possum

Last year i had a major relapse in my mental health and as a result was left with nerve damage wich lead to shaking in my hands and a loss of memory. I was diagnosed with dissociative disorder a very scary and thing to have in the middle of a panic or anxiety atack. I can forget were i am or what i am doing for days. I once got picked up by a member of my act team after walking for ten klm with no shoes and one sock on. It is the brains way of protecting its self. Memory loss and fogging is very common during or for weeks after an atack and whilst getting use to new or increased medication. I look at it as the brain rebooting itself in safe mode for a while.

[geoff]

hello The Possum, absolutely, my long term memory isn't too bad, but my short memory is terrible, rather embarrassing when talking to someone who is 'on the ball'. Geoff.

[RubyWaterfalls]

Hi there.

Memory probs are common with depression and I battled it since I was a young teenager however in my situation I was also diagnosed with CIRS last year (chronic inflammatory response syndrome) caused by exposure to Mould toxins from a water damaged building.

The Mould has also effected my brain causing shrinkage and swelling in different areas of the neuroquant.

I am on treatment now but my brain may never be back to normal completely 😞 My faith gets me through!

My behaviours, moods, speech, concentration, sleep and ability to process new info have all been effected....as has my ability to be the best mum I can be.

Recovery is slow!

​Most people don't realise Mould toxins are so dangerous...the list of problems it causes are long and although there's treatment you have to find the right Dr who's experienced in thecRitchie Shoemaker protocol and it can be costly.

[Doolhof]

Hi The Possum,

Love your user name. My first boyfriend's nickname was Possum! Any way, I will try to get my brain into gear as to why I am responding to you.

It does seem that memory loss can be caused by depression and the medication we take. For me my forgetfulness began with Chronic fatigue and has good and bad days along with my depression. When I feel stressed or anxious, then my brain has even more trouble remembering.

Maybe we can all come up with ideas and solutions to help you where you are at now. For me, I find laughing at my forgetfulness and owning up to a bad memory helps me not to be too concerned about it.

Post it notes are good, I have a diary and also a calendar ( I don't do mobile phones very well...I forget how to recall the info I put in it. Ha. Ha.)

If you become stressed about reading a page and not remembering anything, take a few deep breathes and close your eyes for a moment.

Following along a line with a ruler or piece of paper helps me as well so just one line of writing is there to concentrate on instead of the whole page.

Studying can be stressful, so try to allow for a little exercise and down time so you don't become too stressed. Even if it is a short walk up and down the street for 5 minutes.

I make notes of things I want to achieve in the day, that helps me also to stay on track.

Cheers fro now from Mrs. D.

[The_Possum]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Mrs D those are some really good suggestions.

When I study I usually sit there for hours in frustration trying to make myself think.. It's probably a better idea to take regular breaks and clear my mind, it makes sense that it would help me focus better.

I'm going to give this a go!

Thank you again everyone for your replies. I very much appreciate it x

[gen_the_friend]

Hello The Possum,

I have a very bad memory too, mostly short term but my long term is very bad too. I have schizophrenia and I have heard bad memory is a symptom of it, but I don't think my medication helps either. I often find myself walking to somewhere in my house and forgetting what I was supposed to do too, and when i'm having i conversation i often stop mid sentence and forget what i'm talking about (this makes me very bad at telling stories haha). I used to not care so much but it's been slowly progressing and it's quite worrying since i'm only 16.

It helps a lot when the people around you have patience when you're speaking, and if you're not already taking fish or krill oil, I suggest you do since that can help with memory. Also what I like to do is keep diaries. I keep 3 diaries for different things. One for dreams, one to keep track of hallucinations or delusional thoughts so I don't forget to tell my doctors, and one for things that happen through the day or thoughts and stuff. I don't think the diaries will help with memory, but it makes me feel better that i'm at least keeping some memories.

Anyway, I hope I helped in some way 🙂

-Gen

[Doolhof]

Hi The Possum,

Hopefully you will come up with some other ideas as well that will help you.

Many years ago I played Memory Games with my nieces. Those games where you turn the cards over and try to find pairs. I could never ever find a pair unless it was a total fluke. In the end I would get the girls to keep the cards turned over so I could at least find one pair. We all had such a good laugh over that.

You may be able to do some simple games to help your memory improve. Google memory retention or something like that and see if you come up with ideas that might work for you.

Back to the Memory Game, my nieces are now over 20 and I still have the same game in the cupboard. My niece wanted to play it last time she was here and said maybe not as it is sad I don't find any pairs. I told her it was okay, I enjoyed the challenge and the laugh even if I didn't find any pairs at all.

All the best with your study.

Cheers from Mrs. D.

[The_Possum]

Hi Gen

Thanks so much for writing. Your writing is very good for 16 years old!

I do like the idea of separate journals. I hadn't thought of that before but a memory journal would be great to take in to my doctor. It might help explain things better.

Thanks again for writing in

Take care x