Bipolars Only Online Support Group

I caught myself doing it the other day and then it sunk in. I write, usually just free writing, and I found something that I wrote the other day and there were sentences in it that I know I don't remember typing, let alone thinking. I have to re-read everything I type now so that I can see if I know what I am talking about. It takes me forever now.

This issue is bad to the point that I just remembered this morning that I had forgotten my wedding anniversary. Today is Oct 20th. My anniversary was Sept 15. Women always remember that sort of stuff. WTF? At least I don't feel too bad as my hubby forgo,t too.

I know that memory and concentration are an issue with bipolars. I just don't know what they can do about it. I am sure there are varying degrees.

This is so very frustrating, especially when it is time to do any paperwork. They always look at me like I am idiot because I forget dates and numbers...and a lot of other things.

Is there a medication that helps? I have tried Ginko Biloba (OTC herbal supplement) and it doesn't work worth a damn. Do ADD meds help? I am sure it helps with concentration, at least.

Anyway, I have a pdoc appt tomorrow morning and have every intention of talking with my pdoc about this.(if I don't forget. Jeez!) I swear though if she tells me to "just keep practicing" I am going to reach across the desk and smack her. Pah! Keep practicing indeed. Practice what?

So, tell me, what sort of memory issues to you have. Do you catch yourself or does someone else have to tell you?

Post edited by: TexasYankee, at: 10/20/2011 07:22 AM

I still have some difficulty concentrating but it's way better than it was.

This way they know that I heard them but I learned that if you don't let some go, it will make you utterly insane. That is why they get Filed.

You are right though, my retrieval system is broken,too. My retention system isn't very good either.

No wonder people think I am dumb. Oy! *sigh*

I feel dumb at times, too. I actually took an iq test to see how bad my score would be since the last one I did about 10 years ago. I'll just say that I don't feel dumb any more!

Big difference between intelligence and memory/recall ability.

I use to tell people that I am not stupid, I am just behind. (in where I wanted to be in life)

I take 300mg of Lamictal daily. It messes my vision up a bit but I can see for the most part. Just a bit blurry. Doesn't do squat for my memory.

any short term memory loss I can blame and smoking pot, so I stopped because I can't stand forgetting things! Still, I do sometimes, which is why I live with lots of sticky notes around the house: Take trash out, walk the dog (to motivate too), take meds, don't beat yourself up...

I think I have more trouble staying focused, and on track...concentration can be an issue, I need a quiet environment. Hoping the ADD drugs help with this.