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Memory Retention

JTSenior Contributor04 Aug 2014, 9:59 pm AEST

Memory Retention

How does everyone else deal with remembering things? I have one of those annoying memories in that I can quote my centrelink, drivers licence, user names, passwords, tax file numbers etc and so on. I can even recall something I did 5 years ago to the point of what I was wearing and where I was standing. I can't however tell you what I had or even if I remembered to eat breakfast this morning. That said about the biggest sign I'm about to meltdown is memory recall where I start forgetting pretty much anything. Beyond all that I cannot for the life of me remember to take my medication half the time. Or I can't remember if I remembered to take it. I've tried phone aps, leaving it in a strategic position, notes around the house, routine - problem is the minute I turn away from the reminder I forget what I was about to do. This has been becoming more of an issue the past year. So frustrating!

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In response to: Memory Retention

JTSenior Contributor07 Aug 2014, 11:19 pm AEST

Re: Memory Retention

I beg to differ on the social media thing Bond. Unlike many i don't have hundreds of friends and I certainly don't use to to keep up with peoples' lives. FB for me is contact with a small group of people all of whom I know. We share our moments but more than anything we share a connection. While some people like to watch the news in the morning, I like to read the jokes, sayings and moments my friends have found funny. I used to be on email lists, in groups, work emails and so on - that all stopped 3 years ago when I had my last breakdown and before my memory went down the tubes big time. I agree with simplifying but FB is relaxation for some of us, not a chore.

In response to: Memory Retention

BondContributor08 Aug 2014, 5:20 pm AEST

Re: Memory Retention

Hi JT. Great to hear. I tried culling the contacts on my FB back to a minimum but still found there was too much going on. I used to use it all the time and it was great, but I just don't have time for it now. It can be a great tool to communicate so if you have a good balance with it that's awesome.

In response to: Memory Retention

BondContributor08 Aug 2014, 5:25 pm AEST

Re: Memory Retention

I think for me, with my bipolar, maybe I was just bad at using it sustainably? I was flat out on it, posting heaps and staying involved with everyone but then I'd hit a depresso period and it was all too hard and I hated it.

In response to: Re: Memory Retention

JTSenior Contributor09 Aug 2014, 12:19 am AEST

Re: Memory Retention

I only started with Facebook a few years ago having resisited the invitations for quite a while. When I did start however I always restricted it to people I knew or people I "knew" via online groups for some time. There have been periods where I was unwell and I did accept other requests, I post excessively and I make some way out comments. Then I'd reign it in. People make what they will of it. I find that having a small select group of understanding friends gives me a safe circle to sit in.

In response to: Re: Memory Retention

BoinkCasual Contributor20 Aug 2014, 9:31 am AEST

Re: Memory Retention

For me, my concentration and memory was the first thing that gave me a signal that something was not right. My head was swimming in numerous jumbled thoughts all at once, It felt like I was in a bad dream. The Outlook calender was my main tool to remember things.

In response to: Memory Retention

bipolaranxietyNew Contributor28 Aug 2014, 6:12 pm AEST

Re: Memory Retention

I've only been diagnosed for a year but I feel like my memory is worse than ever. I have 3 kids & my horrible memory affects the whole family. Every time I forget something I feel like a failure. It's actually nice to know others are having the same problems as me, but at the same time I really feel for you because I know just how aweful it is. People without these issues take it for granted & certainly don't understand how degrading it feels to be constantly forgetting things. The memory apps sound like a good thing to try. Think I'll download some now, if I remember 😉

In response to: Memory Retention

ivanaSenior Contributor12 Sept 2014, 1:13 pm AEST

Re: Memory Retention

To be frank,there is no evidence that you will get your memory back.
If your memory loss is temporary (ie:caused by anxiety,stress,sleep deprivation or medication side effect) then it will come back when those factors are resolved.
If though it is due to degenerative changes from Neuroinflammation (which has been found in some with Bipolar disorder) then the chances are very slim.
I have severe memory problems,particularly autobiographical memory,episidic and short term memory for a few years now.It definately has not improved regardless of trying memory training tools such as Luminosity(although they may work for some).
I don't have Bipolar though so the situation is probably slightly different.

The reason why your memory seems good in some ways and bad in others is likely due to different areas of the brain controlling different types of memory.
You might be able to “remember“ your Centrelink numbers etc due to something called Implicit memory,which is an unconscious process.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006322398003369
http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2003/05/4777/study-suggests-bipolar-disorder-may-cause-progressive-brain-damage

In response to: Memory Retention

LoopySenior Contributor06 Oct 2014, 10:30 am AEDT

Re: Memory Retention

JT, Hi, the things I remember are those thing I really don't wish too, apart from that my mind is thick. I cannot remember names, places or what day of the week it is. Every day is the same I suppose. I do remember when my shrink appointments are, nothing else seems important enough. I don't like it but I just live with it.

In response to: Memory Retention

RightomateContributor18 Jan 2018, 9:29 pm AEDT

Re: Memory Retention

Sorry if I am not supposed to bring up old posts. But I will say beginers luck.
This memory problem is very real for me. I see from some of the early posts that it is a warning prompt that a hard place ahead..
The confusion also standing at the freezer when I should be going to a door, what am i doing???
I'm hoping that things may return to a reasonable state as stresses decrease. .
I am of the feeling that I can't function in the workplace satisfactorily. I think I am rambling so I will stop.
Do any of you also still have the same thing

In response to: Memory Retention

EternalFlameSenior Contributor20 Jan 2018, 12:19 am AEDT

Re: Memory Retention

Hi @JT, I certainly know how you feel! I've got a similar memory, where I can recall something I said, or done years ago, yet some days I go into a room looking for something, then can't remember what I was even looking for by the time I get to said room. It can be a real pain in the butt sometimes. For my tablets, I use one of those weekly pill trays, so I know whether or not I've taken them for that day. I used to freak out if I forgot to take my pills that morning, and I would be worrying all day about it.

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