Short term memory loss

[Starling2411]

I have had a traumatic childhood addict parent, subsequent death, divorce etc I myself went through a traumatic relationship 3 years ago. I had a particularly rough time in 2020. After that time I have observed that my memory and concentration has been hampered. I forget things in less than 2 seconds and cannot concentrate for more than a minute. This wasn't the case prior to a particularly stressful event. I am scared now is something wrong with me and what is this exactly? I also have anxiety as diagnosed by a psychologist but I don't take any meds.

[Dolphin14]

Starling2411

It's not uncommon for people who have suffered traumas to lose concentration and focus.

Anxiety can cause many physical symptoms. Do you have a ptsd component?

🐬

[Hidden in reply to Dolphin14]

hi Dolphin and starling you mention 3 yrs ago this was pandemic and lockdown i did here that a lot of people changed after this physical and mentaly due to lack of doing usual things work socialising, my memory suffers when im stressed anxious and often have brain fog from been tired mainly winter, im sorry i shoudv checked your age may be hormonal even men have it me and my mam are going to do brain exercises memory cards she has started this and therez crossword puzzle books to that can improve cognitive ability take care 🤗

[Dolphin14 in reply to Hidden]

Twinkly

I never factored in the pandemic. Great point.

Def have to try and keep that mind active

❤️🐬

[Hidden in reply to Dolphin14]

well your doing so well and all you have been through and at present sending a very big hug from me and fur boy sorry not in person i needed one today and pixie gave me the biggest hug well it was me him really he just put up with it and slight purr LOL do you like my new avatar 😁 🤗😺💛🌟🐆incase you cant remembrr what i look like haha

[Dolphin14 in reply to Hidden]

Love the avatar. It's a natural look that doesn't appear to be too high maintenance

Life is full of surprises isn't it. We get through the tough times by having good friends

❤️🐬

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Hidden]

You make a good point. Our lives changed dramatically with the pandemic. I never thought of that.

What are "memory cards"? Sounds like something I could use.

[Hidden in reply to Nothing_but_books]

hi you can get picture ones well there from the kids stuff mam had here you match the pictures together or playing cards with numbers you can look them up, these days we do stuff on auto pilot and dont think what were doing more sleep is needed, im having chamomile tea and bed early hope you sleep well hugs from me and nipper boy 😁🤗💛🌟🐆

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Hidden]

Hugs back and hi to pixiebob. Sleep well.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi twinkly are you talking about the game pairs? That's really good for memory. Something I could play on my own really!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

hi yes its good i need to exercise my brain tired n brainfog is bad

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Dolphin14]

I didn't know. I wish the doctor who diagnosed cognitive impairment had mentioned this. Loss of memory and concentration is a big, scary part of me now.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Nothing_but_books]

Fear and anxiety take our focus off the present. Our minds are looking ahead and being bogged down with so much stuff that our memory takes a hit.

I lost about 10 years of life's beautiful moments because of my PTSD. It's very sad

❤️🐬

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Dolphin14]

May you never lose any more.

What you say makes a lot of sense to me. Even relieves some anxiety.

I know I have lots of trouble being "present". Triggers flashbacks. Why didn't I ever put it together. Seems obvious now.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Nothing_but_books]

Once we know it seems obvious. I didn't know it until I went into therapy.

So I'm spreading the word. I'm sorry this happening to you. The good thing I guess is we can share the experience with others

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Dolphin14]

💜🦜

[Hidden in reply to Nothing_but_books]

hi NBP please try not to worry it make it worst,what dolphin says is spot on, and so you need to do whatever to relax exept alcohol i am off it it was a disastor turning it last time, i am tryner foccus on my. book about anxiety but cant sink it in my mind wanders my coping strategy has become distraction from our worries i blank them out then otherwise ill go mad with worry so relax your mind i am going to get my buddhist class meditaion cds out i used when had lost my home during the year of my rat and black beatle infestation, and lockdown, i didnt drink for 3 months 💛🌟💐

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Hidden]

When I can't focus to read I listen to audiobooks.

[designguy]

I think what you are describing is pretty common with those who have suffered from trauma and c-ptsd. It does sound like you could also benefit from taking meds at least short term and you could probably benefit from working with a therapist that specializes in treating trauma/c-ptsd.

[Hidden]

Hi starling. You aren't alone if it's any consolation. I have amnesia, very few memories of my childhood. And struggle to remember recent events too sad to say.