Memory In General

[Bosco2153]

I rarely remember things and wonder if others with PTSD are as memory-challenged as I am. Example...My grandson called me when I was shopping and I told him I'd call him back when I got home. He needed help with some homework. After hanging up the phone I never thought of it again until tonight after midnight. And nothing helps. Lists etc. are useless because I forget about them. This call back to my grandson was the ONLY thing I needed to do today and I blew it.

 

[pie]

Hello deedlerock, first of all, please accept my sympathy regarding your troubles. I can imagine this is very challenging and difficult for you.

To my knowledge, I do not recall there being a connection between memory challenge (loss) and ptsd, unless the memory loss has to do with actual trauma events that have transpired in past and due to the brain sort of protecting self, makes a person temporarily forget what has happened. But with time as the person starts feeling safe, goes to therapy, etc. then the person begins to remember and be able to recall the traumatic events in the safe environment.

I was told that by a psychiatrist and couple psychologists. In my course of study I have not come across any scientific based evidence that there is a link between "regular" memory loss and ptsd. But that doesn't mean that there isn't any. I am only letting you know what I know.

I do in fact believe that because of your wise and mature age I would just maybe check in with your doctor and let him/her know what you are experiencing and how bothersome it is for you, perhaps if nothing else maybe for piece of mind.

So good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Muzikluvr]

I no longer tell my husband "I forgot" because now that I can remember my own thoughts I understand that I became distracted by PTSD. When I was in denial, I had no memory of what I was thinking while I was forgetting to do important, relevant tasks. I just remembered what I'd chosen to do to distract myself. .. not why I needed distracting.

Do you dissociate? It could be a dissociative disorder which is associated with PTSD when PTSD is caused by multiple ongoing traumas.

 

[Bosco2153]

Besides my PTSD I also have major depressive disorder. It's been over two years now with that. My mother died from Alzheimer's at age 84, so her late onset Alzheimer's shouldn't be passed down. Yes I do dissociate, but not as constant as I did awhile back. I just feel I'm in a cloud most of the time and that nothing 'sticks'. Lol. Well, I'm seeing a new general practitioner next week, so I'm going to find out if there's actual dimentia of any sort to be concerned with. This memory loss I'm dealing with is more than just age-related I think...but it's not similar to actual Alzheimer's, although other types of dimentia I wouldn't know. :-(

 

[Chincho]

I also forget some things. For example, if my sons have something special coming up they know they should write it on the calendar because I'll forget.

My forgetfulness comes as a side effect from the medication I'm taking. Maybe the same thing is happening to you?

 

[Loloma]

I also sympathise with you Deedlerock. Being mature aged myself I have memory problems to. I can never remember an appointment even if I write it down. I ask if they can text me the day before as a reminder and I put the appointment in my phone with an alarm.

Can be embarrassing because I always forget peoples name. Same as you forget to ring back my kids and grandkids, mind you they all make fun of me. They ask me why I have a phone, as sometimes it is a day or two before I call back after a message is left. Forget what I go to the shop for and lots of things.

Take the advice given and go see the doctor. I'm fine, just absent minded.

 

[Upside Down Eagle]

I don't think this necessarily is an age problem. I'm twentyfive and although I don't have this problem so frequently anymore, I can recognize it... I used to forget absolutely everything. I forgot that I had to college, and I forgot to pay people back when I owed them money. People thought I just didn't have the money, or didn't want to pay them back -but that wasn't it, it had just dissapeared from my mind altogether.

I've been told by my therapist that this isn't uncommon for people with traumatic experiences. There's a lot of things going on in your brain after that (even five years after it, as was the case for me) so there seems to be less space left for your brain to remember other stuff.

Nonetheless lately I've become better at remembering things and I noticed just now because I read your post. I actually remember people's names sometimes, for example. I used to forget to write things in my agenda and I used to forget looking in the agenda, too. I don't really now why I am making progress now, but one thing that helps: write it on a post-it immediately (don't wait!) and put it somewhere you will always see.

Oh, and explain it to your grandson, if you can! it's important to help people understand, otherwise they will fill it in for themselves. And since they don't have this weird forgetting thing, they might think that you forgot because you don't care, which obviously isn't true...

 

[Thinkingman85]

I think it can be common for people who have gone through a trauma. The brain has to process the information so other aspects such as memory may be hindered. This is just temporary. I went to therapy for 12 weeks and began taking supplements (multivitamin/mineral, B-Complex, B12, Vitamin C, Zinc, Iron, fish oil) and eating healthier. My memory and overall well being is much better. I think the key is to be easy on yourself and let your emotions go. It takes time, but healing always does. All the best.

 

[Loloma]

The vitamins and eating healthy really do help. Have been doing this for a few years now. Not only good for your brain, also good for your general health.

I recently read a scientific article that explains how the trauma of PTSD can rob your body of some of those essential vitamins. Something to do with lowered serotonin and dopamine levels. Especially from prolonged multiple trauma in very young children.

 

[Neverthesame]

I know the feeling all too well. I have a heck of a time remembering anything. Like you I have found lists to be useless, as I put them in a pocket and never look at it twice. I have found what works for me is to write anything I really need to remember on my arms. mind you I do get a lot of odd looks wherever I go, but who cares. I won't remember any of those people in ten minutes anyway lol.