Depression and memory

[SueBee60]

Can anyone pls reassure me that depression can affect memory and concentration? I woke up yesterday feeling horribly low (still do) and I've found recently that I can't concentrate and I repeat myself as I don't remember what I've said! I also read whole paragraphs of books and don't take in a word. I'm no spring chicken but not that old (yet) so am praying it's not early dementia! I think this sadness is caused by bereavement, my beloved cat a month ago.

[gardengnome]

not an age thing, the mind just can't function properly when preoccupied and anxious, it is like i have three different brains, the calm one, the down one, and the hyped-up one, and each operate differently.

[Hidden]

Hi Sue

When depressed I feel it much more difficult to concentrate. I have conversations where I struggle to find words to express what I'm try to say, even simple words. When reading I can also keep rereading the

same paragraph or page or I just stare at the page & not do anything.

It's not old age just our mind being occupied by something else I guess, perhaps even subconsciously.

James

[Golfer15]

Yes depression arrects concentration and confusion. I cant say a whole sentence in one go and my memory has gone.

Im only 48 but feel about 80. I ache all over, constantly feel tired and have no energy.

All symptoms of depression.

Oh well. Another week to look forward too.

David

[Hidden]

Hello Sue,

Yes it is common especially if you have more than one condition, I suffer Reactive Depression and my memory is really bad. I had my memory checked about two years ago and they basically said I had to much on. Most people can multi task and I was having personal problems at the same time, the brain in some instances cannot take it all in especially if you are suffering chronic pain in many areas of the body

When I had scans for dementia etc they came back negative with the exception of small veins in the brain getting clogged up. Now I suffer good and bad days

BOB

[Hidden]

Hello Sue,

Yes it is common especially if you have more than one condition, I suffer Reactive Depression and my memory is really bad. I had my memory checked about two years ago and they basically said I had to much on. Most people can multi task and I was having personal problems at the same time, the brain in some instances cannot take it all in especially if you are suffering chronic pain in many areas of the body

When I had scans for dementia etc they came back negative with the exception of small veins in the brain getting clogged up. Now I suffer good and bad days

BOB

[21esme]

I think it is very common. I can't concentrate or pay attention. I also don't take in what people say. It is as if the body is shutting down ( brain included) to concentrate on just keeping you safe and alive.

Sarah

[SueBee60 in reply to 21esme]

Good point, hadn't thought of that. Mind you, a lot of things I'm not thinking of at the moment!

[nette30]

I'm at uni and have found that my concentration and memory are horrendous at the moment due to my depression, so you're not alone!

[sue930]

SueBee60, You have my heartfelt sympathy, lost one of mine last september, it still hurts! and of course under such conditions memory will be affected, l also suffer 'brainfog' from the Fibromyalgia, sometimes can't remember even the simplest words!!!! it will improve as the stress lessens, it will take time, allow yourself the time to grieve and don't listen to anybody who says 'it was just a cat' no cat is just a cat!!

[SueBee60]

Thanks for that, I thought I felt 'better' but this weekend has proved otherwise. Husband is re-arranging garden to accommodate a bench so I can sit near his grave (cat not husband).

[sue930]

Hi SueBee60, what a lovely husband you have! mine would'nt even think of doing that let alone do it!!l know it may be hard for some to believe but he/she is probably still with you ,l had evidence for myself some years back when l lost another of mine on the road, man in village said his son saw it happen and stopped to put her on side of the road,it was about 20 to 7 am, she was with me at 10 past nine the same morning, l did not know she had been killed until the next day when after much frantic searching l found her, it was two weeks later l was told by man in the village that his son had stopped and what time it was etc and definitely the same day.Since then l have lost another to that road, 4 to old age and one to Lymphosarcoma(last september) l still talk to them all.

[SueBee60 in reply to sue930]

That's really spooky! I know when Basil died as I was there when the vet put the needle in. Bas is still with me in spirit though and in my heart.

[Hidden]

That is spooky isn't it? Wow. My 17 year old cat had to be put to sleep in January this year. I couldn't look at myself in the mirror for about a week coz all I saw was a cat murderer. I felt terrible. He is still with me and I swear I have heard him settling on my bed though there is nothing there when I look. x

[SueBee60 in reply to Hidden]

I felt like a killer too. Someone said to look on it as the last act of love we can show, to put them out of their suffering. Would that we could do the same for humans.

[withClaireb]

I have the same conversation with myself everyday SueBee60 , my husband thinks it is part of the depression, if you are overly concerned you should speak to your doctor.