Why do I sporadically forget who I am? (literally.)?

Question

Every once in a while, I'll catch sight of myself in a mirror, or hear myself talking, and for a few seconds, be surprised/baffled by the image/sound - almost a complete lack of recognition. Given my surprise, I usually stop what I'm saying and test out my voice a bit, or inspect my hands or body, because the familiarity isn't there. It doesn't seem to happen at any particular time (happiness, stress.)

I can say with some certainty that I don't know exactly who I am in life, but I hardly think that merits sometimes forgetting entirely. ANY insight would be hugely appreciated. I sound like an a**hole.

***edit: I appreciate the concern, but I'm not depressed (not even sad, really) and unfortunately not on drugs either. lol.

Answer 1

maybe there's no one to remind you of who you are...

Answer 2

I don't want to presume (or ask you to presume) that what may be some stupid, little, thing could be a sign of something potentially serious; but a few months ago there was a thing on television (I think it was ABC's Prime Time or possibly 20/20), and it was about people just forgetting everything and not knowing who they are.

You may want to just ask a doctor about whether or not this could be reason for concern or whether you may just be having some temporary misfiring or something. If its nothing you can feel assured, and if it has the potential of being something (maybe a chemical imbalance that could get worse, for example) you will address it before it gets any worse.

Of course, the other side is you could just be in some frame-of-mind or phase of life these days that is making you feel this way from time to time.

My only point is that while it may be nothing it could also probably be something, which is why you should at least talk to a doctor about it.

Answer 3

Ya know you should get checked for early signs of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. But also you should consider a good vitamin or fish oil. Do you ever forget other things? like where you live or what car you drive? I saw a show not to long ago, where a guy did exactly what you are doing and it turns out that his house had toxic mold. It is a poison not an allergen and can cause these symptoms as well as others. It can even be deadly. I would have my home checked by a professional who knows these things. That guy had a leak and even after it was fixed the damage had been done and even though his wife kept the house clean as a whistle. Check for Carbon monoxide as well.

Answer 4

If there is no noticeable adverse effects in handling the material situations in routine life, then it just means that your perception levels have deepened a bit more , perhaps unawares !
When a person , the being, feels loosened within, experientially feels a bit detached within the body/mind, and experiences as if a person is a witness to oneself, then this could happen. Nothing to worry... it just means inner progress... ! The urge to know "who I am" is just the being trying to get established in its own unlimited identity a bit more firmly (and is aware that this body is a tempory abode to occupy )!
Good to note that you have taken care to mention absence of depression, drugs etc.... Such things too give somewhat similar symptoms, but takes a toll on the physical health and does not yield positive sustaining results in the long run (people do adopt these nervous stimulants to get 'dis-engaged' from mind-stuck situations !)

Answer 5

I agree with the chick who mentioned carbon monoxide poisoning, except other symptoms include nausea. My first thought was: lack of oxygen to the brain, or you are overly tired. This happens to me occasionally just before going to bed or upon awakening, and on occasion, in the middle of the day. However, it doesn't last very long, usually less than a second. If this is happening to you for extended periods before you recognize yourself, I think that you should eliminate all physical causes for this occurence. It may not be psychological at all.

Answer 6

You didnt' say how old you are. This has happened to me before. That is called agnosia, which is an inability to recognize familiar things. It is only one symptom, so it would be helpful to know if you are experiencing anything else such as anterograde amnesia (inability to remember things you have just learned) or retrograde amnesia (inability to remember the recent past).

It's not a fun feeling. See if it lasts for a period of time (a few weeks or months), and if it does, consult a psychiatrist. Good luck.

Answer 7

A Brain Equalibrium Imbalance Maybe? It Happens To Me, But In A Different Way...Because I Spin In Circles While Breakdancing...I Don't Know About You Though....

Answer 8

Level 1: You have a name, stick with it.
Level 2: You have a age, gender, background, don't deny it.
Level 3: You have likes and interests, you can always change those.
Level 4: You are a small part of everyone you love/meet/interact with, don't forget them.
Level 5: You have hopes and dreams, don't let go of them.
Level 6: You have your self, make it shine.
Level 7: You are. You are.

Answer 9

Sometimes, it's good to meditate. To take stock of your life. And get in touch with your inner self. Maybe, this way, you will remember who you are and what's your purpose in life.Maybe, you're experiencing an out of body episode. That's why you have to rechannel your energies.back to your cognitive body.

Answer 10

Maybe the beter side of you is trying to tell you to stop ! And be glad you're alive, so make the best of it! It worked for me, really! Just tell yourself " I , am ME!!! " and never look back...