Memory Problems - Dissociation Or Just Me?

[Wyakin]

I have found lately that I am struggling to remember conversations with people, even if I have just had it. Sometimes I will remember if something nudges my brain in to it, for instance I had forgotten about being told the BT engineer would be coming out to the house today until he showed up then I vaguely remember being told.

Is this memory problems or is this part of dissociation? I do struggle to stay present when talking to people especially if they are standing too close. In the above instance the conversation took place over the radio's at work but there was a visitor in the office who I was struggling to cope with. I cannot handle two things at once like that particularly well.

It feels like I am talking to people from really far away, I am responding normally but I don't feel linked in to the conversation. If that makes any sense at all. I tend to liken it to trying to drive a car from the back seat.

 

[Leanne1]

At the end of the day, I realized that I couldn't recal any of the conversation I hade with my T. It was very disturbing. I emailed her and she told me what we spoke about. It sounded familiar.

I can feel myself being far away. I like your way of explaining it as driving from the back seat.

 

[FindingMyself88]

I've felt with this a lot lately too. I think, for me at least, it's dissociating. My last session with my T was extremely difficult and I find even now it is hard to recall some of the things my T said to me during that session without starting to feel very distant.

Mother's day was like this too. Mother's day is a hard day for me and I found myself remembering later than some of my friends had asked me questions, but I have no recollection of how I responded to them.

I think from what you described it may be dissociation for you too...

 

[Wyakin]

I don't have a therapist yet, I am on a waiting list so I don't have anyone to ask sadly. I agree with you though @Leanne1 about feeling far away.

I can completely understand that happening under such situations @FindingMyself88, thank you for replying, your insights have really helped.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

I had forgotten about being told the BT engineer would be coming out to the house today until he showed up then I vaguely remember being told.

This part specifically sounds like memory and concentration problems, which is a common symptom of PTSD.

It feels like I am talking to people from really far away, I am responding normally but I don't feel linked in to the conversation. If that makes any sense at all. I tend to liken it to trying to drive a car from the back seat.

This sounds to me like dissociation which is also a common feature of PTSD.

The good news is that you are normal and you aren't crazy. These things will get better with therapy. I have issues with dissociation during conversations as well. Sometimes, I find myself saying inside of my head, "Find something to hang on to in the person's words. Nod your head. Just nod your head and smile" lol!

It seems like you notice it mostly happens when someone is too close to you? That's very insightful--something to explore. I can relate to you and you aren't alone.