memory loss related to depression?

[oddoneout667]

I am 18 male if thats important

I have horrible memory sometimes I forget things I heard moments earlier everything that happened yesterday is blurred my sence of time seems to be messed up.

long term memory is blurred I remember things as if I read them in a book and imagined them

I have a theory whats causing this (because thats what I do). I have had depression as long as I can remember I think starting in grade 1 I don't remember not having it. so maybe mental blocking? and the more short term stuff is probably just lack of focus

[Hensley258]

Those would be long term memories. If you really are at a complete loss for many long term memories then that may not be depression, but a completly different Neurological dissorder that is effecting your memory.

I would first start by seeing a good neurologist about this. You need to rule out any other diseases of the brain that could cause such memory loss.

You can trust me though, Even the worst depression won't wipe out long term memory. The areas of the brain that regulate mood and the ones that regulate memory are not even close to each other.

[oddoneout667]

I said grade 1 not 11 I think you thought the 'I' was a one


and no I wasn't using any non-prescription drugs I was on Ritalin for a time

I remember bits of grade school but highschool is blurred too I remember faces and names but I don't remember much in they way of what actually happened I barely recall being in a class room at any point

[Hensley258]

It would be very unusual for even the most Severe Major depression to block long term memories. Now short term memory on the other hand, yes Major depression will destroy that when your in the tight grip of the depression and not getting help.

I suppose it is possible for you to be blocking some bad memories, but your overall long term is so hard wired that even depression can't touch it.

Prior to treatment my depression got so bad that I could not even read a childs book. My brain was so overloaded with fear, doom, dread, and thoughts of suicide that I could not even concentrate long enough to read or hold a thought.

Yes, that's how bad it can get when the condition hits mach 10. It will kick your *** 6 ways from Sunday and stick around like a bad case of herpies.

When you get addmitted to a Psych hospital for depression the Psych doc assigned to your case uses what is called a HAMD score to grade the level of your depression and anxiety. There are 5 levels. Mine was at the highest level on the scale. Even in that state I could remember sitting on my grandpa's lap as a child, but I could not even recall what my doctors name was or anything short term.

[whodunnit]

At age 18 I would find it hard to attribute these problems to depression alone.

Firgetting what has just been said etc is certainly something I experienced, when I was suicidal and had been for months. I couldn't read because I did not retain the info. But that was sever depression where all my mind had in it was misery and the possible result.

At 18 how much long tehm memory do you actually have? Most of us remember little before age 5 and only bits of 5 - 10. Ages 10 - 18 should be recalled fairly well normally. If it is blurred I have to ask what you may have been doing in that period. Any alcohol of drug use at all? Were you put on meds by your parents? Anything abnormal is what I'm getting at.

Grade 11  would be age, what? 15 0r 16? So you'r talking 2 or 3 years you say you've had depression. If that is true then your memory will be on that period but the rest is still there and will be there when you feel better.

You don't mention doctors, therapists or treatment. Why? If you've had this depression for 3 years you are hurting yourself big time and destroying your future by not getting help.

Stop thinking about it and analysing it from a point of no knowledge (how can you form theories when you don't know the illness?) and see a doc, someone who knows what you are talking about. Please.

[29sillygirl]

Just noticed this post.
Yes memory loss and depression are connected.
Docs may not call it that...but I know it to be true.

When you are depressed you're lucky to remember to put pants on in the morning...lol.

As far as long term...yeah...I cannot stand trips down memory lane...if I do say anything, feel I am making it up...but some things are clear....blips...mostly sensory memories.

Blocking occurs for some of us too.  I didn't remember getting married for years after: had 4 kids by then...used to just fake it...scared someone would ask specific question.
I had run off to marry .....if that has anything to do with anything:)