cognitive issues

[Kayaker73]

Hello. I just joined this group. I’ve been in a 9 month long severe depression that is treatment resistant. I also have a lot of anxiety as well. I was wondering if anyone else deals with cognitive issues like poor concentration, poor memory and a low inability to take in or learn information. This depression has led to 5 hospitalizations and one suicide attempt. I’m just not myself. I don’t recognize who I’ve become. I’m older and going through menopause and know that’s a factor. This has been torment.

The last time I went through anything like this was many years ago after the birth of my daughter. We were able to find the right medication combo within a couple of moths but this time is different. I feel so alone in this and so different from everyone else.

[Hidden]

still online and looking to chat?

[Hidden]

I suffered for 27 years with what you described. Most of mine was centered around extreme anxiety but depression was definitely in and out of my life in a big way.

My one and only trip to the hospital was successful in finding relief but I was diagnosed as mildly bipolar.

Can’t imagine what you’re going through with what sounds like no relief this time. The hospital docs said I was severely undermedicated.

Truly hope relief comes your way soon. I’ve been on here 6 months and you are definitely not alone.

Keep talking and maybe, just maybe, someone will offer up an idea you haven’t tried yet and

Waala!

[Kayaker73 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much!

[Stippler]

I cannot offer much in the way of a solution, but I have many of the issues you are dealing with so you are not alone. Please don't give up because although it seems permanent, it will not last forever. This too shall pass. I will hold you in healing light.

[Kayaker73 in reply to Stippler]

Thank you for your response and encouragement. May you also experience healing.

[blackcat64013]

Hi Kayaker73, I am also a person with hard to treat depression.

The term hard to treat is now interchangeable with treatment resistant.

I have worked out that I am going to take meds long term.

From what I have read and understood, going back to the last highest dose that worked is an excellent starting point for treatment.

Brain 🧠 fog is my term to explain my troubles with cognition to someone else.

Going back to therapy seems to help me to work through the biggest challenges that I face in the current moment.

If I don't remember to book an appointment, my doctor kindly reminds me that the therapist provides a safe space in which a person partners with you on your mental health journey to healing and recovery.

It's an ACE idea. ACE stands for acceptance, compassion and empathy.

Wishing you the best from 🇦🇺 Australia.

[Kayaker73 in reply to blackcat64013]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience. I’m glad you have a good doctor. ACE—I like that. Do you get easily overwhelmed and have a hard time processing information? I just started back to therapy. It’s hard for me to get much out of it due to poor attention span-as I also have ADHD. No fun. But I am taking it one step at a time. Best wishes to you from California.

[DepressedEdge]

Hey Kayaker73, as I was reading your post I was relating to everything you are saying. My depression has completely affected my cognitive function. I can't concentrate on something for more than 2 minutes, you can tell me something seconds ago and I would absolutely forget it. I literally don't remember anything about my life, who I was and what do I like! In my attempt to be productive, I find myself not being able to learn anything or keep information in my head, it's almost like being mentally paralyzed. I could keep going on and on about my severe depression, but know that there are people out there who are going through the same thing as you are, you're not alone. If you ever need to talk to someone about what you're going through feel free to send me a message.

[Kayaker73 in reply to DepressedEdge]

You’re “singing my song”. I’m sorry you are going through this. It’s torment. Thank you for sharing—it helps me to not feel so alone in it. Are you taking meds or seeing a therapist?

[DepressedEdge in reply to Kayaker73]

I'm not taking meds or seeing a therapist because in my country therapy is not great, it's not really advanced. So, I'm trying to find ways to leave the country so I can go to a therapist abroad.

[Kayaker73 in reply to DepressedEdge]

I hope you find a way to get the help you need.

[mauv]

Hi Kayaker73, I too want you to know that I have Tx Resistent Depression. I have tried all the antidepressants and they don’t work any more. I went thru 32 tx of TMS and it didn’t work. We need to give each other support because we know how deep the emotional pain can be and we think there is no relieve from it. We didn’t cause the disease. Can’t control it. Also we can’t cure it. Take baby steps towards getting out of the depression. Antidepressants worked for me for along time. They stopped working 3 years ago. I hope you give one a try. We are here for you

[Kayaker73 in reply to mauv]

Thank you for replying Mauv. I’m so sorry for your journey through TRD. Thank you for the encouragement. I’m curious, have you tried ketamine or ECT? Both were mentioned as options for me. Also, I’m on lithium, Lamictal and Zyprexa—no antidepressants and the past few days have been much better. Have you tried other classes of psychiatric meds?

[mauv]

I had 32 ECT txs and no results from them. Tried Lamactil for a short time no results. I am not Bi-Polar. Just Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD. I am working at accepting the disease and learning to be good to myself no matter how long I am in these depressions. We need to support any person that is suffering. We are all doing the best we can. I am m glad your meds are starting to work for you. ❤️Mauv

[Kayaker73 in reply to mauv]

You have endured so much. You are so strong and brave. I’m glad to hear you are learning to be kind to yourself. That’s definitely something I need to work on.