Short Term Memory Issues

[njray]

Have as anyone suffered short term memory issues. Not in regards to the specific trauma itself but lets say... forget birthdays, forget what you read on a page in a book 5 minutes after you read it or forget where you placed your keys. Not just once but on a regular basis since your attack.

 

[Don]

I'd chalk up such short term memory issues to anxiety, restless thoughts, and not being focussed.

What helps me get over this is: not to worry about it (accept that it's normal just now, else worrying about it will worsen the symptom for me), and try to fill my days with low stress activities that keep me occupied and healthy. (I do lots of walking when I'm up for it.) I also watch my diet (sweets and low fiber carbs will send my blood sugar levels roller coasting somewhat, the resulting increased anxiety levels make remembering things in a timely fashion all the more challenging).

Knowing my memory's unreliable, I rely more on writing things down and using 'alarms' for appointments (my newish cellphone has an excellent alarm function: you can program up to a half dozen event reminders in it, as one-time alarms or recurring on that day(s) of the week / time).

Don

 

[Tinyflame]

Excellent advice Don- so good, the phone!, -never even thought of that.
Yes, I would include 'stress' in your list, and not feeling well.

 

[Cthulhu]

Such things happen a hundred times a day in my life- I can't remember a time when it wasn't like that (well, I have an ADHD- diagnosis).

 

[Reclusive]

After my most recent trauma I found that my short term memory (and long term, really) are not so great - and they used to be SO reliable! Now I, too, have to write things down and use alarms on my phone to remember things. My doctors all know that they have to give me cards or I won't remember my appointments along with my medication instructions or I'll forget them. The last couple days I've been forgetting my address - how embarrassing for me!

 

[KP the nut]

The last couple days I've been forgetting my address - how embarrassing for me!

This sounds as if it should be in the 'You know you have PTSD' thread. My address is fine but please don't ask me my cell number :confused:. I also write everything down.

 

[Reclusive]

LOL - I'll have to go add it. Seriously, the dr asked me to write my address down and I just stared blankly at the form. Happened TWICE two days apart. GEEZ!

 

[KP the nut]

When I was in T last week, after and EMDR round, T asked about what I'd felt. I listed some stuff which came up. We then discussed them. T asked me what the second thing was I'd said as he wanted me to concentrate on those words. :confused::confused::confused:. No way, it had gone, no memory of a conversation at all - after 2 minutes :eek:

 

[eyebiter]

I have been taking omeg3 pills and working out 20 min a day...I have found that my memory has improved a lot in the past month!

 

[Reclusive]

I have that happen all the time, KP - sometimes I'll shout something at my fiance in another room and he'll shout back that he can't hear me. So I'll get up to go talk to him and forget what I wanted to tell him by the time I get there. o.0

Which do you think is more effective, eyebiter - the omeg3 pills or the exercise?

 

[bittersweet]

Sorry if this sounds a bit stupid but memory loss (short term) can be caused by ptsd? I thought I was just going insane when I couldn't remember things like I used to and then I realized it's been a steady decline since my ptsd has gotten worse. I wasn't sure if there was a connection or not

 

[Foxtrot]

My GF has short term memory loss as well, and can't remember me when she and I haven't seen each other for a few days. Ugh. Not fun. And I'm sure not fun for her.