Awful memory?

Question

PLEASE no sarcastic answers. This is a genuine problem. I have a horrific short term memory - it's gotten me in trouble before. It's not that I don't listen, I do, I even write things down (I have a house and office full of notes), but it's as if the memory didn't happen. What's going on? It's affecting my life. I suffer anxiety and depression and I was bullied at my last job which made things worse, so much so that I was forgetting important things and how to do my work and had to go on sick leave for a month before finally leaving that godforsaken hole. It's gotten better since leaving that place, but it's still very much there. Mad thing is I can remember vividly stuff that I shouldn't like my first birthday, my first day at school, conversations years ago etc.

Answer 1

My memory is also pretty bad - can be embarrassing at times. I'm going to see my Dr to see if they can help or give me advice - why don't you try the same? Hopefully that will sort stuff out for you.

Answer 2

I have a similar problem. After a accident if we call it that my short term memory was severely reduced, to the point I would forget what I was talking about mid-sentence, or when buying something in a shop I would pay for something then leave it at the counter as I went to buy another. Sounds funny and in many ways it is. Its something you have to come to terms with, and as soon as you do that you deal with it a lot better. I found being more relaxed about the problem made it easier to deal with and it happened less. The more anxious the more effected I became. Friends would understand but still take the piss calling me Memento Man after the Guy Pierce film and recommending I tattooed where to meet them because I'm always late (because I'm lazy). Seek help from the doctor, but I'm sure you already have. Just take your time, try not to worry too much, and take care of yourself. Good luck.

Answer 3

My husband is the same way. Sadly, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2004 but is a survivor after undergoing a craniotomy and radiation. Obviously, this was his reason. I think there a lot of people like you that just have bad short term memories. I'm sure there is some type of therapy to enhance your short term memory.

I suggest you consult your doctor and rule out any negative possibilities. No, I don't think you have a brain tumor but I would still consider having an MRI of your brain. It may even pinpoint the problem. Then your doctor can direct you to better your memory.

I have heard that eating eggs is a brain food. Also, do you eat breakfast? It is the most important meal of the day as it "jump starts" your brain. Diet does play a part in memory as well.
Good luck! I hope this was somewhat helpful.

Answer 4

Don't worry - you can and will improve your memory. The first thing to remember is that your mind is literal, like a computer. So every time you say "I have an awful memory!" your mind will think "OK, I have an awful memory..."

Here's what to do. Every time you hear yourself thinking or saying that your memory is bad, shout STOP to yourself. Say "My memory is improving all the time" or some other POSITIVE thought. Think to yourself "I have a GOOD mind. Thank you to my mind for working so well!"

Remember that unless you have had brain damage or Alzheimers, you have the capacity to have a good memory. You can train yourself.

It sounds as if you have low self esteem - and this is adding to your feeling that you have a bad memory. Try to boost your self esteem in the same way. Say to yourself "I have had a bad time recently, but things are getting better and better every day!" and "I deserve to be well treated at work and to live a happy and fulfilling life" etc.

I'd suggest you think about having some counselling to help raise your self esteem, or join a group of people and do something creative that you have always wanted to do....there are lots of things that will help.

Good luck, I hope this is of help.

Answer 5

This is really something for which you should see a doctor. Not necessarily a mental health professional; it sounds to me as if there is an underlying physical cause. Are you on any prescription medications? Some of them--particularly antidepressants--can have the most amazing, weird side effects. Personally, I also have lupus, and it does things to my short-term memory that you wouldn't believe.

You may also be sleep-deprived due to your anxiety, and that is a major culprit in memory problems. Again, see your doctor; the sooner you get diagnosed, the sooner you can get help. Good luck!

Answer 6

Maybe you should go check with a doctor, especially if this has started because of a blow to the head. PDA (Palm Pilots, Blackberry, Treo, etc.) might be a good alternative. They can keep you informed and record something important a boss/mentor has to say, they are like electronic brains. However I suggest contacting a brain specialist, because a memory of your first birthday and first day at school should not be happening. It seems like you're having uncommon mental relapse. Either way you should start eating fruits and vegetables (even low fat cottage cheese) the antioxidants, fisetin, and folic acid are brain food, meaning they improve your memory.

Answer 7

i think ur anxiety is a direct factor in your memory loss..your mind needs a rest..you have had a tough time lately and your body is reacting accordingly..your mind is in a complete muddle so its difficult to remember simple things.you need to take some time for yourself everyday to do some sort of relaxation..also get out in the fresh air and do some exercise everyday..you will be surprised how this will help clear your mind..i was in this same situation about 18mths ago.i was bullied at work and had awful memory loss and anxiety..i got a cd with breathing exercises on it and did it every night in bed..i have improved so much mentaly and feel great..i dont need to do my cd anymore.best of luck..hope this helped a bit

Answer 8

Stress can cause memory problems-if you have lots of things on your mind then there simply isn't enough room for new stuff to b stored!! My Partner is currently under a lot of stress and is driving me mad with her memory problems,she can forget something seconds after being told!

Answer 9

Your problem might come from anxiety. You are too stressed because you want to remember and that is why you do not remember. I would suggest you to talk with your doctor and practice some yoga to reduce stress.
If you are a very emotional person to forget under stress is quite normal.

Answer 10

It could be stress related, try talking to a doctor. Your anxiety over trying to remember constantly simple things may make your memory problem worse.