Am I loosing it or what?

Question

I have worked in a particularly stressful job for 13 years now.
While driving I find I cannot always recognise the road I am driving along although I have drivien it for 3O years! I cannot mind map by journey now. My driving is exemplary though! I cannot remember telephone numbrs, the grandchildrens birth dates, the year I was married, and when I get given Administration to do at work, its like reading Russion, my concerntation is zilch! Help!
What is happening to me, I was like it for a few months last year, but pulled up, but its re occuring what can I do? What is it!
The Doc says its Stress related depression, I am not depressed, I am not suicidle, just frightened!!!

Answer 1

sometimes when your depressed it doesnt surface as 'depression' (ie feeling down/sad/angry/suicidal) if your a busy person and stressed maybe your not letting your depression come out so its finding another way.

Sounds like you need some time of work

try and have some chill out time, if you can afford it try and get away at least for the weekend not the ideal time i know as its nearly xmas. if thats not convenient try and book a weekly massage or pamper treatment.

Have you ever tried reiki??( its not aload of rubbish)

most of all.......

...........Slow down.


feel better soon x

Answer 2

I have to agree with your doctor. It really sounds like you are suffering form stress related depression. Being depressed doesn't always mean you are feeling depressed or suicidal. Running our of concentration or motivation is a very common symptom of depression. Having sleeping problems and constant feeling of tiredness are also common. Even though you do not feel depressed or sad about anything, since you have been so stressed out constantly, your mind is needing a break form it. And that's what's happening to you right now.
I know your job is so stressful, but you must now find out what about of your job is stressing you, and why. And if there is anything you can do about it, then you should try that. Or, if you can take a time off from your job or change your job, then that can be very good for you.
At the same time, you should go to doctor again, and get it treated. 1 in 4 people are said to suffer from some sort of depression in their life time in today's society, so it is not such unusual thing to be treated with, and nothing to be frightened of. However, treating it without professional medical help can be very dangerous and difficult, so please go to a doctor and ask for help.
Take care and good luck.

Answer 3

sounds to me like you may need a break my freind. if your doc has said your depressed then 10 to 1 he is right. we cant see when we are depressed however others can. i was told i was depressed yet i felt on top of the world, as it was i was depressed but holding stuff back, it caught up with me later, i should of listened! the body works in a wonderful way to counteract things not wotking right it places more attention on the parts needing attention so letting other parts lack for a time. this is most probably why your not thinking straight ect, your body is tired , rest it , take a break and it will cure itself i am sure. at the end of the day it wont hurt you to have a well earned break, if your still not right after that then take the docs advice and go from there. hope that helps my freind, your doing the right thing talking about it anyway.

Answer 4

u seem to have long and short term memory problems because u stated that u "pulled up" then probably it is not organic however a good physical, with complete blood work is probably a good idea stress and anxiety can however also cause this problem u say u have no problems driving driving is more something u do automatically however when u have to think, u seem to black out and cant remember perhaps a visit to a psychiatrist would help and perhaps a small does of medication family doctors are not as aware the help and treatments that are available to peole with different thinking disorders u may suffer from a anxiety disorder that causes your memory to fail you if u have a anxiety disorder, that does not mean necessarily mean u have to take pills regularly but only as needed hope this helps you good luck

Answer 5

I can relate to the way you're feeling. Lots of good advice already given. You didn't state your age, but bear in mind that age will play a part. I'm certainly not as sharp re remembering birthdays, telephone numbers as I used to be and I'm only 43. Sometimes I completely zone out at work, because I'm used to being stressed and multi-tasking, but lately my job's been a bit quiet and I'm not used to having loads to time to do stuff. I think you may be worrying too much. A holiday would be a good idea.

Answer 6

You aren't loosing it although it may seem so. Stress, especially chronic stress is often the cause of ones inability to concentrate and remember those things we have known for years, such as birthdays and names. You have worked in a high stress job for a long time, it has to have taken a toll on you. Last year you "came out of it", how?

Answer 7

Maybe you're just tired of the same routine, make some positive changes in your life. Go on a 2 week vacation to Hawaii, go back to school and learn something new, get a new less stressful job.

Answer 8

Happened to me once when I was in Home Health and was very stressed, overworked and hardly any sleep for a long period of time and all I could do was pull off the road, sit and cry and I just thought and thought about where i was going and i did this run 3 times a week.....I know its very scarey!

Answer 9

I you are safe driving do not worry. I am afraid it does sound like stress though. It may be worth taking a couple of weeks off sick, to do the things you enjoy. Go for long walks, sit and think, and watch trash on the telly. I am sure your doctor will give you a sick note and it will make you feel better.

Answer 10

Have you went thru menopause. I also worked a stressful job for years and my dr pulled me out with major depression and put me on medication and kept me out of work for 6 months. I did not return to my old job but went back to college and got a different career for myself. I am still on medication my dr says I have a chemical imbalance and my have to take meds the rest of my life but that`s okay with me. I feel glad to be alive!