Struggling to Recall Conversations
As an 18-year-old female, I have been diagnosed with PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and depression. I’m currently not on any medication and I refrain from consuming alcohol or smoking. I find myself questioning the normalcy of my situation. After engaging in discussions, particularly those centered around mental health or emotionally charged subjects, I often struggle to remember significant details just minutes later. For instance, I recently had a roughly 15-minute talk with my mother, and while I can recall the final topic we discussed, the rest of our conversation is vague, with only fleeting bits of information surfacing now and then. Moreover, I frequently misplace important information like doctor appointments and past treatments (including medications and therapy sessions). After a therapy appointment, it’s commonplace for me to forget most of what was discussed almost immediately. I do have ADHD, which may contribute to these memory issues, but I’ve consistently felt my memory is quite poor, affecting my daily life. It leads to minor disputes with my mom when she recalls something she mentioned, and I respond with confusion, insisting I have no memory of it. Then, she accurately recalls the details of our prior conversation. This is incredibly frustrating for me, and I can’t quite understand the underlying cause of these memory lapses.
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 5:41:07 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant challenges related to memory, especially following conversations about emotionally charged topics, alongside your existing mental health conditions. This is understandable and can be frustrating, especially for someone dealing with ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and depression. Let’s break this down and look at your concerns.
Main Points
- Memory Issues and Mental Health: Conditions like ADHD, alongside anxiety and depression, can affect attention, focus, and memory recall.
- Impact of Emotional Conversations: Discussions that revolve around mental health or strong emotions may be harder to process, leading to forgetfulness.
- Feeling Confused and Frustrated: It’s common to feel confused when you cannot recall past conversations, especially when others can.
Explanation
ADHD can significantly impact working memory, the type of memory we use to hold information temporarily for immediate tasks or conversations. Emotional discussions may trigger stress or anxiety, which can further complicate your ability to recall details. When you're engaged but feeling overwhelmed, the brain can struggle to encode the information into long-term memory.
Additionally, depression can sometimes lead to what's known as a "cognitive fog," making it more difficult to focus and retain information. This can lead to the experience you've described, where conversations feel vague shortly after they occur.
Next Steps
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Keep a Conversation Journal: After important discussions, take a few minutes to jot down key points or topics you remember. This could help reinforce memory retention and serve as a reference for later.
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Practice Mindfulness Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing or grounding exercises can help reduce anxiety during and after conversations, making it easier to remember what was discussed.
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Set Reminders for Important Information: Utilize digital tools like calendar apps or task management apps to keep track of appointments or key conversation points. Setting alerts or reminders can reduce stress about forgetting important details.
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Limit Emotional Intensity: If possible, try to engage in significant discussions at times when you feel calm and focused. This can help you process the information better.
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Explore ADHD Strategies: Consider strategies that work well for ADHD, such as using visual aids, breaking tasks into smaller parts, or utilizing mnemonic devices to assist memory.
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Discuss with a Professional: While I won’t recommend a specific treatment, consider speaking to a therapist about these memory challenges. They can guide you through coping strategies tailored to your experiences and offer support in managing your mental health comprehensively.
It's important to be kind to yourself as you navigate these challenges. You're not alone in this, and finding ways to improve your memory can take time and practice.
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