Memory problems

[Philip_lucia]

As a child, I was diagnosed with ADD and depression, but I thought they went away. Lately, I have been having problems remembering things, lately being a few years. I was in a bad car accident and that was when it came to my attention. I'm not sure if I have always had this problem, but I know I have had some hard blows to the head in my life. My mind is all mixed up all the time. My thoughts are jumping from thing to the next and I end up forgetting what I was thinking just a second ago. I could also be doing something, some sort of task, and get distracted then completely forget what I was doing.
Some thing that recently happened was, I was at work, I moved a stack of bags closer to me so it would be easier than going back and for all day. A few minutes later, I was organizing the area, and moved the bags back without realizing it. I had no recollection that I had put the bags back where I got them from. The way I know that I moved them is that a friend told me she just watched me do it. Things like that are always happening to me.
When I talk to people, I tend to say random things with out realizing they are random in the first place. Some one I work with constantly brings that up about me... he also says I am really weird?
I am always forgetting words, I have always had trouble with comprehension (an elementary teacher ever so nicely pointed out...)
During my middle school years, I became really depressed and stopped going to school, and I rarely even went to high school, I ended up up being kicked out with in 30 days of my last year. Maybe this is the cause?
I also am getting headaches constantly. I don't know if this has anything to do with my ADD, or I am being paranoid, (I get paranoid a lot), or it could be something else.

[Sue357]

Hi.  I came across your posts.  I just wanted to encourage you both to continue your education and get your GED, if that is your best option.  I teach GED prep to youth, age 16-21 and know that it is challenging but so rewarding, as well.  We hold a graduation ceremony, complete with caps and gowns, and just to hear the young people talk and see the happy faces, especially on the families is overwhelming.  Good luck to you both

[Philip_lucia]

Thank you for your reply, it really helps. I have been really confused lately, this really does help. I have been meaning to get my G.E.D. but I really just haven't been motivated. I will make an effort for it this time. The Woodrow part is really inspiring, I have heard about that, I just never thought about it. I have had an MRI done, but nothing came up, so I don't know if it is just my ADD acting up.

Thank you very much,
Philip

[ggreg]

Dear Philip,
I was in a car wreck and hurt my back when I was in my 20s.  Ever since then, I've been goofed up, very fearful and in pain.  As I got older, I realized and it was medically documented that many of my problems came from that wreck.  The pain distracts me from thinking clearly, I forget things like you and I use the wrong words, and the fear from the accident makes me nervous.

You say you hit your head.  I suppose you could ask for an MRI so the doctors can look and make sure nothing like a swollen blood vessel or other abnormality from the accident is pressing on your brain, causing your symptoms.

Also, since you were once diagnosed with ADD, which means you had trouble paying attention, then in the workplace where stress is often high, could be your mind is occupied with stress instead of the work at hand.  You must try very hard to slow down and focus exactly on what you're doing or saying at the moment.  If you get confused, stop what you're doing for a few minutes.  If you cannot focus no matter what, there are medications, as you know, to help with that.  

Also, you talk about your schooling not being finished.  Of course you were depressed, you were having problems with attention in class, focusing on homework, and yet all the other kids were carefree.  You came so close to graduating; so I wonder if it might boost your self-confidence to get your G.E.D., then maybe you could take some evening community college courses in something you're interested in, which might lead to a better job with better pay.

President Woodrow Wilson had dyslexia.  I know, it's a whole different condition than paying attention, but it shows you what very hard work can do.  Dyslexic people have to take much longer to read and study, but look where he got in his life.  It's the same thing for almost anything that requires a person to overcome thinking disabilities, whether it comes from ADD or from lifelong pain and fear like I have.

I think you should have an X-ray if your head injury was significant.  If you carry around fear and pain from your accident, you may need counseling and tranquilizers for a while.  If your thoughts stray for whatever reason, you must recognize it and really get involved in the intricacies of what you are doing throughout the work day...when you get home, you can let it all go.  And if you feel low self-esteem, then drag yourself out of the doldrums and "be all you can be" by getting your G.E.D. and then consider evening classes at technical or community colleges nearby, or perhaps get involved in spare-time creative pursuits like painting, or in sports challenges like tennis, just whatever you WANT to do in life, I think you can do it.

Sorry this is so long.  I want to help.
GG