Depression and concentration

[Wallis9]

My memory and ability to concentrate is making it it very difficult to keep the jobs I love. when I voice thse concerns to my doctor, I am simply told that the Depression is responsible. Are there any stratregies for improving one's ability to concentrate and focus and thus remember those things that the current working world demands?

[Jaquta]

Some basic strategies of good nutrition, regular exercise and adequate sleep may help.  Relaxation exercises may also decrease stress/ anxiety enough for you to focus your attention.
Psychotherapy to address the issues behind the depression may also help but that would be more a long-term objective.

I hope that helps.  Not sure if memos, or reminders, would help.

[Wallis9]

Thank you for the input! The exercise and nutrition concerns are going well. I joined a very reasonably priced gym a few months ago and visit regularly. I feels great and does wonders for my mood and cholesterol levels! And, since I have lost yet another job due to focus deficencies, I am cooking my own nutritious meals and bid good-bye to the horrendous processed stuff.

The relaxation stuff is not really happening though. I guess that could be the missing element. I'll  try to google it for suggestions.

Psychotherapy has proven to be less than satisfactory. To be honest,I sometimes seemed to come to the occasional insight or conclusion, but damn if I could remember what it was a couple of days later. Cognitive behavioral therapy has really helped so far. Repitition seems to be the key. Maybe I can channel some sort of relaxation discipline through that. Wish me luck and I truly hope it helps! I so want to keep a good job!

[Jaquta]

That's great that the diet and exercise are going so well.  They can be particularly hard to maintain when our moods are a little lower.  Well done!!

I am just wondering whether memory is the problem or whether that is something you (maybe subconsciously) use to avoid working. ??

That has happened to me too, not just in therapy either because insights can occur anywhere.  Mine is a concentration thing but also occurs when I am emotionally overwhelmed.
Medications can sometimes affect our memories.

You're in therapy so that should theoretically be helping with mood and concentration.

The poor concentration could be due to an underlying medical condition like anemia or something as basic as that.

A psychiatrist should be able to differentiate between diagnoses.  If you're still having problems and you feel your mood has lifted I would be asking more questions.
Mood can severely affect concentration though.

Good luck!  With both the memory and the job!

[Hensley258]

Are you being effectivly treated. I mean is your depression and anxiety under control at this point with the right combinations of medications?

If not then yes, your level of concentration will be shot to hell.

If your Psychiatrist is doing his job and getting you back to a clear mental state with the proper meds then the concentration level will return to normal simply because you will feel normal.

When my meds aren't working and my depression is bad then I can not focus enough to read a childs book.

[Wallis9]

Thank you both for the feedback! You both allude to another physical ailment or possible medication deficiency. Could be. I was told that the Wellbutrin was a specific for the brain stuff. I don't know. It seems doubtful. I've had focus and concentration difficulties all my life...me grade school teachers would attest to that. (I once suspected ADD but the specialist I was referred to simply ruled out Alzheimers and sent me away.) But then I've probably had Depression all my life..my mother was a chronic schitzophrenic...I've always been thankful I didn't inheret that!
I no longer have insurance and my call to the county said I had to be in inniment danger of harming myself or others to get help. I could claim suicidal stuff but that sounds risky and it's actually not the case, although I suppose it could be at some point. Plus, my wife works and we own our home and I'm afraid I'd be putting her finances in danger or our home. She says I could get on her insurance if she could claim me as a dependant, but, as a terribly independant individual, my guts are dead set against it. Is that just ego?

Then again, perhaps the right meds would make the difference. I've got to think about it.

By the way, I've noticed that I have not been remembering any dreams for years now. I wonder if this might indicate that my brain simply doesn't shift stuff to long term or maybe short term memory as well as if should. does that make any sense? Have you heard of such a thing?

I'm thinking of applying for a case manager position with a local services agency. the job sounds fascinating and I think I would love it. It would be high stress, at least until I get used to it. But I'm sort of scared too. I've had high stress jobs for a while now..I do a lot of non-profit work. But maybe there's something wrong with me. Like my face. When I'm deep in thought, folks have a habit of commenting to me that "things aren't so bad". That ever happen to you? It's stupid because I'm just thinking about something. But perhaps my face is communicating otherwise. Maybe people think I'm mad when I'm simply considering the situation...
I can't help but wonder because I really am a good employee and dependable and hard working and creative and a wonderful team member. I practice  self initiative and all that cool stuff. Yet sometimes I think they are trying to get rid of me. I tell myself that's just the depression talking but then it seems to play out..

Well like others, I guess I've written more of a journal entry. Sorry for the length. I let a lot out here.