Anxiety and memory loss

[dontpetthesweatythings]

I suffer from Anxiety. I've never said that to anyone before. And I wouldn't say it outloud to anyone for the fear of crying helplessly!

It's been about 2 years. It comes and goes in waves. I was wondering if anyone else out there with anxiety issues also had memory issues?

It's so bad sometimes I feel like people are playing tricks on me half the time (when obviously they aren't) and I get quite upset. I don't remeber doing things like taking the bins out, then 2 minutes later ask who took the bins out, or getting cross someone started the dinner when..I am then told I put the bloody food in the oven. I feel embarrassed at work as I ask my manager things and he always says 'oh we spoke about that we agreed to do x y z don't you remember?'

No.....I don't remember :(

I'm not on meds.

[madmouse]

Not sure anxiety causes memory loss, don't think it does. But your anxiety may at times be so all encompassing that there is no brain space for other things or you are so tired that you get a little scatter brained.

It is time you say things out loud - to your GP. You've suffered long enough. CBT or even meds may make such a big difference.

[dontpetthesweatythings]

Thanks madmouse.

I find it very hard to talk. Even to GP. I know I should just pluck up the courage and say something to GP. I think I am worried that I won't be taken seriously?

I've read posts on here and I can function day to day, so maybe they wouldn't see what the problem is.

[madmouse]

Hmm yes I used to function day to day as well, but constantly fretting about ds's health, the car breaking down and whatever else I could get worked up about that day to day functioning was exhausting me.

The biggest risk of you not being taken seriously is if you play things down by using words like 'a bit, sometimes, a little, not that bad'. If you talk about how you really feel you should be taken seriously.

[dontpetthesweatythings]

I see what you are saying. I didn't think of that and I am exactly the kind of person to come out with that as I feel like a burden! OK. Let me see if I can build up the courage to do this. wish me luck! And thank you very much for the advice.

[babylann]

Hi :) I'm sorry to hear what you're going through. I suffer from bad anxiety too and I know it's hard to put into words how much it affects your day to day life. I've started CBT recently and it definitely helps. I also didn't want to admit my problem but eventually I went to the doctors and just said, "I worry a lot, about everything. All day, every day, I'm worrying about something." As soon as I said it, I felt like I'd achieved something. I guess acceptance is the first step to recovery!

I agree with madmouse, I haven't got terrible memory loss, but I definitely don't pay attention to things - even 1-to-1 conversations that I should remember because I was a part of, I don't remember because actually, while X or Y was talking to me, I was thinking, "Is my mind playing tricks on me or is he a bit blurry? Is something wrong with my eyesight? Sight problems can be the first sign of a brain disease, can't it?" Then they would wander off and I'd realise I was never listening. Later, the same person could bring up the conversation again, and I'd have no memory of specific points made, just that "we talked" at some point.

You can only help yourself as far as this is concerned. Without even putting too much thought into it, just pick up your phone and make a doctors appointment. Schedule your appointment to be ASAP so you can't talk yourself out of going for it, I'd even say it might be worth saying you need an emergency appointment if they ask. CBT waiting lists can be long on the NHS, so the sooner the better. :)

Good luck!

[HaveALittleFaithBaby]

If you've been suffering with intense anxiety for a long time, it could be that you've become depressed - this happened to me. I really struggled with memory problems. For me it goes two ways, like I am frazzled at the moment and I consistently can't remember if I've unplugged everything, locked the front door etc. DH has also said I told you x,y,z and I can't remember. If it was anyone else I would be very suspicious but I do trust DH!
I agree though, the main thing is to speak to your GP. Yes, it's difficult to talk about it but you've taken the first step by putting it on here. Those who have read it think you need help, you GP should recognise it too. You could even print out your OP and responses from here to get you started? Good luck.

[dontpetthesweatythings]

Just come back on, thanks for your responses. I've actually just discovered someone quite close to me suffers the same and I feel so much better I have someone to talk to.

She has told me lots of things about GAD that I had no idea where a symptoms! Like thinking the worst possible out come of something, like 'what would happen if I just drove in to that tree over there' or thinking I desperatly need to run away, and what would happen if I did? or I wish I could have an accident and go to hospital for a few weeks to just disappear.

It feels good to know I'm not the only one thinking these thing.

Yes, I am trying to build up the courage to book a GP appointment. I am worrying about this obviously and what I will say and if they will just laugh at me and tell me to go away and that there is nothing wrong with me.

Oh well.............I'll get there! Thanks ladies you've been great.