Memory.

Aubergine · 18-12-2014, 10:12 PM

Does anyone else have a really terrible memory? Like, really terrible.

Sometimes I forget what I'm going to say next, and it's incredibly annoying. It has got better over the last week, but it still happens sometimes. Today, I phoned someone from work and an answer machine kicked in and I forgot what I was supposed to say. I leave the same "please ring us" message on people's phones about 4 times a day. I know exactly what to say.

I forget when and where I'm meeting people. I have to have this stupid Google diary thing that bleeps my phone when I am supposed to be somewhere. Before I got this, I was double booking and not turning up and generally just being a bit of a flake.

At work, I am a nightmare. I start a job and then don't finish it. I was scanning prescriptions today, walked off to attend to a patient, then forgot I was scanning and started to do something else. I end up with a million things half done. I try to write things down, but invariably forget to do that too, so it doesn't always help. I'm so, so scatty. I apologised to my manager today, and she said it's OK because "we all have our little quirks." I don't want a quirk. Not one like that, anyone. FOOL.

Anyone else? How does one improve their memory? How can I stop being like a goldfish? Bleurgh!

Ballerina123 · 19-12-2014, 09:45 AM

Yep I get this.
Just last night I put candles on then went to bed and woke up in the morning with the candles still burning.
I also to the answering machine thing to.

I blame it on my illness and the meds. Before I had psychosis and was on meds my memory use to be a lot better.
I think psychosis gives you mild brain damage.

I write a lot of lists which help me. I carry them on my phone so they are always with me.
When i worked I use to carry lists too to keep me on track.

Aardbei · 19-12-2014, 08:31 PM

Hi lovely. Do you think it could be related to the med increase? If so, you need to bring it up with your CPN/psych because it sounds like it's really bothering you and they may be able to try some alternatives.

As an aside, when we met and you lost your train of thought a couple times, I barely even noticed and definitely didn't mind at all so try not to stress about what other people are thinking when it happens. It's far more obvious to you than it is to others, I promise :) x

ParanormalChickenGeek · 19-12-2014, 08:39 PM

I can totally identify with what you're saying- I have periods where my memory is awful! I find writing lists helps somewhat. I do usually notice that my memory is particularly bad when I'm feeling low so it may be worth discussing this with a professional as your poor memory could well be linked to mental health.

Aubergine · 19-12-2014, 11:29 PM

My memory is worse off of the medication for some reason. It was dreadful a couple of weeks ago. When I saw my CPN, he had to keep saying my name to bring me back in the room. It was difficult to focus on much. I see my CPN on Monday morning though, so I will mention it to him. He's very good.

I'm a bit worried because I'm travelling to Blackburn on the 27th of this month, and I've got to cross London as part of the journey. I got lost going from Temple Meads Station to the city centre (not a long walk) the other week, so I'm concerned that I won't manage to journey. It's another week away, so I might have my brain back a bit more by then. I don't want to not go, because it's a trip to see my best friend and I'm looking forward to spending time with her. I won't spend any time with her if I end up in the wrong place though!

Thank you for saying that, Ali. It's hard. It's getting better, but it's so... Urgh. It's like my words float off somewhere, you know? It's good to know that people don't mind. I worry about people getting frustrated with me or thinking that I'm stupid. I'm really not. I just lose my thoughts sometimes.

Patent Pending · 19-12-2014, 11:35 PM

I get this and it's progressively getting worse. I put it down to when my MH is bad in general to be honest.

No advice, but you're not alone.

x x x

Aubergine · 20-12-2014, 01:36 AM

Thanks Katie. *hug*

I don't think my mental health is particularly awful at the moment. I mean, I'm working and I'm seeing people and I'm doing normal stuff. I guess things aren't perfect and they've been better, but they certainly aren't dreadful. Maybe it'll get better as I'm on the up?