Is this a normal thing for a 18 year old?

Question

I've been really stressed out lately and i keep forgetting stuff. Yesterday i completely forgot about a class i had and i forgot that i was supposed to baby sit my brothers kids until he called and reminded me that i was supposed to be there. I forget stuff at work all the time and i cant remember some stuff that i did an hour ago. Can stress do that or should i be looking for some other cause. I know that memory loss is part of aging but im only 18. In all fairness i have been stressed out alot lately, more then normal. But unlike alot of ppl stress keeps me going, i work better when im stressed out.

I forgot to put this in but can stress cause really bad headaches? I dont think i have anything wrong with me i just am kinda scared.

Answer 1

You seem to be very stressed. Stress, to an extent, is a good thing; it does improve performance for most people. However, I think you might be overdoing it. Stress can cause bad headaches, too, which you said you were experiencing. As a fellow "stresser", I can offer a little advice that helps me (and hopefully you, too).

I like to sit down and make a list of everything I need to do. Then I try to prioritize it. The most important, pressing tasks go to the top of the list (school, work, related obligations). Then I plan out my week; I'll study this chapter Monday at this time, etc. It sounds boring and tedious, but having a schedule of exactly what you need to do and when to do it helps immensely. It feels so good to cross stuff off of the list at the end of the day!

Writing things down also helps me remember what I need to do, as well. That might help with your forgetting.

You might also want to think about ending one or two of your obligations. I know how hard that can be, but your health might depend on it. If you continue the path you're on, you'll just end up getting sick and/or burned out -- and then your productivity and memory will be even worse.

Just breathe! Take short breaks throughout the day, take 30 minutes or so to be alone and pray, meditate, listen to music, sleep, anything to relax your body and mind. That's essential and will continue to be more essential as you get older and obtain even more responsibility.

If all else fails and you really think something might be physically wrong with you, talk to your doctor or parents. They'll help you sort everything out.

Good luck, and I hope you feel better soon!

Answer 2

I think you probably have a lot on your mind as opposed to stress, though I suppose that trying to do a lot of different things at the same time would produce stress!
If that isn't the reason, then it might be dietary. It might be worthwhile to take a multivitamin and make sure you are getting proper nutrition. You are not on a diet also are you?
Some people do in fact work better when stressed, but some other people age more quickly and suffer hidden disease symptoms from accumulated stress. Slow down and smell the roses, life is too short, don't waste it.

Answer 3

Most likely it is all due to stress. You may work better under pressure, but sometimes your body needs a break mentally or physically. It sounds like you are getting burned out. Of course I am not a doctor, so if your concerned this could be a medical problem please go and see your doctor, but to me I think you need to slow down, and take some time out for yourself. Don't push yourself to hard all the time, and depending on why you are stressed out, it could lead to a breakdown. Take care of yourself so that you can continue to function in your life. God bless.

Answer 4

You may feel comfortable being over active, it appears, but you seem failing to realize you are cutting your self too thin doing so and as result are letting others down.

Take time to stop and smell the roses and concentrate on self control thru regulation of your activities. Don't take on more than you can handle as the results will cost you friendships as well as an un-reliable reputation.

Organize your activities, set short range goals for accomplishment and reach only for those...then, when accomplished, set new ones. You will gain self esteem and popularity by doing so...

There is no medication for your problem that works successfully...!

Answer 5

well first you need to get some medical help see because that can be a sign of short terms(short terms is when your body and brain forget things because tired) and you said you was stress and your 18 i mean you should be partying hangin out with some of your friends i say you go on vacation not to fancy but if u wanna take it there i here that LA BALTIMORE OR WHAT EVER YOU WANT TO DO is fun but my answer is



get some rest stop putting so much presure on yourself and just be free for a while but not to to to to free becaue we might not know what will hapen lol but just kick back and relax

Answer 6

stress can cause some memory loss at times, but forgetting stuff that you've done just an hour ago sounds a bit abnormal to me. you should see a doctor and question them about it.

Answer 7

It is stress, you are only 18, you need to slow down, you think stress is keeping you going now but eventually it will wear you down.

Answer 8

That could happen when you are stressed. Keep a small handbook where you write things so you dont forget.

Answer 9

maybe your body is going through what i call a burn out. where you just need a break to rest up and takr it easy. i get pretty close to that when i have been working and going to class for a week straight and managing on about 4 hours of sleep. that may be he case.

Answer 10

yes, stress can totally throw you off, you need to relax and it might help to keep a day planner to remind you to do things