Memory problems.

thirdeye · 08-10-2006, 06:37 AM

Guys,

I have some major problems:

1) Memory : Time and again this has let me down. Right from my school examinations to my job interviews now. I would read stuff and then when I am actually being asked about that I totally forget things or I am not confident of answering. I don't know why, whether it is motivation or whether it is reading with concentration that could have made the difference. I can understand things and learn , but I tend to forget it. The peculiar part is I can remember events , movie scenes , pictures etc very well. I still remember some events that happened in my childhood. Yes I know the theory that some events hold a special place in the mind and it will stay forever. But I really want to improve my memory power when it comes to remembering concepts , fundamentals and the like. When the basics are missing, then how would I grasp indepth knowledge.

2) Poor concentration: My concentration is very poor at times. Especially when I am studying. This could be possibly be one of the reasons why I can't retain things. Why is my Concentration poor I don't know.

3) Don't know what I want to do and I am totally confused
I know I have the potential to do things. But how do I really bring that out.

I am a software professional, but forget what code I need to write.
I hate me in this stage of life. My wife has so much of trust on me that I can do well. But with so many weak areas , howwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww?

Can someone help me come out of this dreadful situation.

nottoogreen · 08-10-2006, 07:28 AM

Hi Thirdeye,

I develop SW too.

Perhaps you would want to undergo a detailed medical examination.

Does this help?

ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
The symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity that are inappropriate for a person's age level.

Children who have ADHD often:

Are easily distracted by sights and sounds in their environment.
Are unable to concentrate for long periods of time on low stimulation tasks (homework vs. video games).
Are restless and impulsive.
Have a tendency to daydream.
Are slow to complete tasks.

Adults who have ADHD often:

Miss work deadlines.
Miss appointments.
Appear hectic and disorganized.
Have significant problems prioritizing.

I have a hard time focusing & reading with understanding?
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].

**arwen** · 08-10-2006, 08:16 AM

I think you should get examined by a specialist. They will have you perform on cognitive tests, and see if this is a medical condition of some sort. The memory can be trained by doing exercises, in Holland I know there are a few books on that. My grandfather has trouble with his memory (it's old age in his case), and he sort of keeps track by writing little notes here and there. Try to check the tab with books on this page, or amazon to find these booklets, they contain little puzzles and exercises you could daily and that will keep stimulating your brain. But in the first place, get yourself to a doctor.

Ilse

thirdeye · 08-10-2006, 09:02 AM

What type of doctor would be helpful in this case? A psychiatrist?

As a matter of fact. I feel this has made a dig difference in my life.
I am always worried. I am always confused. I am always lazy.
As i mentioned earlier, its only a few things I can remember very well.

But I tend to forget a lot of important things. That just dents my confidence level. This keeps happening to me time and again. I always wanted to postpone tests or exams. I would have ample time to study , but just didn't do it.
Thats discipline. I really wasted valuable time in life. I can't do that anymore.
I a 28 now. I don't have a proper sense of time management.

**arwen** · 08-10-2006, 09:23 AM

You are quite young to be experiencing this kind of stuff I think, I think it's best to first go to your primary physician and discuss the options. I am no medical expert, so I cannot diagnose you. Usually browsing or googling these kind of things makes you more worried than you ought to be

Just make an appointment with him, he will refer you to the correct specialist.

Ilse

nottoogreen · 08-10-2006, 09:32 AM

I concur with ilse, see your trusted doctor who will refer you to a specialist.

Take care and please keep us posted.

stolenshadow · 08-10-2006, 10:27 AM

Hello, you mention you are insecure when you answer, that can lead to a damaging cycle which is one of the main causes of memory problems, you don't believe you can do it, you fear you won't do it right, you fail, and next time you begin you remember that you don't believe you can do it.

You also mentioned lack of concentration, it can interfere that you don't trust your memory ("I'm studying but surely I won't learn") but there are surely many other things your mind is doing, you have to pay attention to what those are and tell yourself you'll deal with them later.

Memory, like all mind issues have to be controlled by YOU, imagine it's like your car, it won't do anything unless you tell it to, and if the road is difficult you have to really focus on making the car work for you.
If your brain or thoughts are left to wander around you're the one that has to put order, limits.

Assuming your problem is not due to anything physical just meditate a lot (leave your mind blank, concentrate on how you are breathing) that will help you in dealing with all sorts of thoughts.
And tell yourself your memory is great, but use different resources for learning, not just reading, maybe say things out loud or visualize them too.

thirdeye · 08-10-2006, 11:51 AM

Why am I so worried always? You are right. My lack of memory is affecting my concentration and my lack of concentration is again affecting my memory. Its a cycle. I get locked up with some worry or the other.

I have tried to ask questions on the purpose of my life, what do I want to achieve ultimately and what should I be working on? I don't know what I am really strong at. Whether it is programming or people management.

I am technically not weak in my subjects, but I am mentally weak.

Ash · 08-10-2006, 12:01 PM

I also have a terrible memory and astonishingly poor concentration skills.

When it comes to rote memorization of something I typically do very poorly no matter how hard I try and there's little I've been able to do. When I am up to myself as to what I need to remember, I carry a small notepad and write things down. I keep lists, and record things in spreadsheets and data bases.

As for concentration, I find listening to music I already know well will allow me to block out other things. My concentration is so poor just about any noise will completely break me out of my thought cycle. The music actually masks out most of the other noise and in addition gives my brain something to do and since it's familiar music, subconsciously I already know what to expect so no active thought appears to be engaged in the listening process.

In other words, I need crutches to help me. Perhaps there are some other things that can be done to help, but these types of things really assist me.

stolenshadow · 08-10-2006, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirdeye

Why am I so worried always? You are right. My lack of memory is affecting my concentration and my lack of concentration is again affecting my memory. Its a cycle. I get locked up with some worry or the other.

I have tried to ask questions on the purpose of my life, what do I want to achieve ultimately and what should I be working on? I don't know what I am really strong at. Whether it is programming or people management.

I am technically not weak in my subjects, but I am mentally weak.

Focus is the goal. You ask yourself what you are better at, programming or people management, well, you have to go and do a little of both to have an answer that can give you the benefit of facts.
If you only think about it your experience will be a bit limited. Now, let's say you can't go and try those things (or others) and you do need to make a decision, then you have to see the pros and cons then stick to the best option.

Certain thoughts are not productive and only repetitive, but there really is little point questioning everything beforehand, worrying too much ahead won't make your present better as you already know.

Just pay attention to what you want, sit down, write the possible options, conclude and don't open the subject again until a result is there.

Things will still be fine even if you end up making a bad decision, and you'll learn something.

08-10-2006, 06:37 AM	#1
thirdeye Offline Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 25	Memory problems. Guys, I have some major problems: 1) Memory : Time and again this has let me down. Right from my school examinations to my job interviews now. I would read stuff and then when I am actually being asked about that I totally forget things or I am not confident of answering. I don't know why, whether it is motivation or whether it is reading with concentration that could have made the difference. I can understand things and learn , but I tend to forget it. The peculiar part is I can remember events , movie scenes , pictures etc very well. I still remember some events that happened in my childhood. Yes I know the theory that some events hold a special place in the mind and it will stay forever. But I really want to improve my memory power when it comes to remembering concepts , fundamentals and the like. When the basics are missing, then how would I grasp indepth knowledge. 2) Poor concentration: My concentration is very poor at times. Especially when I am studying. This could be possibly be one of the reasons why I can't retain things. Why is my Concentration poor I don't know. 3) Don't know what I want to do and I am totally confused I know I have the potential to do things. But how do I really bring that out. I am a software professional, but forget what code I need to write. I hate me in this stage of life. My wife has so much of trust on me that I can do well. But with so many weak areas , howwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww? Can someone help me come out of this dreadful situation.

08-10-2006, 07:28 AM	#2
nottoogreen Offline Join Date: May 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 2,530	Hi Thirdeye, I develop SW too. Perhaps you would want to undergo a detailed medical examination. Does this help? ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder The symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity that are inappropriate for a person's age level. Children who have ADHD often: Are easily distracted by sights and sounds in their environment. Are unable to concentrate for long periods of time on low stimulation tasks (homework vs. video games). Are restless and impulsive. Have a tendency to daydream. Are slow to complete tasks. Adults who have ADHD often: Miss work deadlines. Miss appointments. Appear hectic and disorganized. Have significant problems prioritizing. I have a hard time focusing & reading with understanding? [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] [Only registered and activated users can see links. ].

08-10-2006, 08:16 AM	#3
arwen Offline Super Moderator Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The Netherlands Gender: Female Age: 29 Posts: 5,396	I think you should get examined by a specialist. They will have you perform on cognitive tests, and see if this is a medical condition of some sort. The memory can be trained by doing exercises, in Holland I know there are a few books on that. My grandfather has trouble with his memory (it's old age in his case), and he sort of keeps track by writing little notes here and there. Try to check the tab with books on this page, or amazon to find these booklets, they contain little puzzles and exercises you could daily and that will keep stimulating your brain. But in the first place, get yourself to a doctor. Ilse __________________ You always* have a choice.* 11 February 2010: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]* is due!* Please see the forum rules for posting on enotalone.com

08-10-2006, 09:23 AM	#5
arwen Offline Super Moderator Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The Netherlands Gender: Female Age: 29 Posts: 5,396	You are quite young to be experiencing this kind of stuff I think, I think it's best to first go to your primary physician and discuss the options. I am no medical expert, so I cannot diagnose you. Usually browsing or googling these kind of things makes you more worried than you ought to be Just make an appointment with him, he will refer you to the correct specialist. Ilse __________________ You always* have a choice.* 11 February 2010: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]* is due!* Please see the forum rules for posting on enotalone.com

08-10-2006, 12:01 PM	#9
Ash Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Gender: Male Age: 46 Posts: 1,868	I also have a terrible memory and astonishingly poor concentration skills. When it comes to rote memorization of something I typically do very poorly no matter how hard I try and there's little I've been able to do. When I am up to myself as to what I need to remember, I carry a small notepad and write things down. I keep lists, and record things in spreadsheets and data bases. As for concentration, I find listening to music I already know well will allow me to block out other things. My concentration is so poor just about any noise will completely break me out of my thought cycle. The music actually masks out most of the other noise and in addition gives my brain something to do and since it's familiar music, subconsciously I already know what to expect so no active thought appears to be engaged in the listening process. In other words, I need crutches to help me. Perhaps there are some other things that can be done to help, but these types of things really assist me. __________________ Wisdom can come with youth ... my friends here prove it everyday.

08-10-2006, 09:02 AM	#4
thirdeye Offline Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 25	What type of doctor would be helpful in this case? A psychiatrist? As a matter of fact. I feel this has made a dig difference in my life. I am always worried. I am always confused. I am always lazy. As i mentioned earlier, its only a few things I can remember very well. But I tend to forget a lot of important things. That just dents my confidence level. This keeps happening to me time and again. I always wanted to postpone tests or exams. I would have ample time to study , but just didn't do it. Thats discipline. I really wasted valuable time in life. I can't do that anymore. I a 28 now. I don't have a proper sense of time management.

08-10-2006, 09:32 AM	#6
nottoogreen Offline Join Date: May 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 2,530	I concur with ilse, see your trusted doctor who will refer you to a specialist. Take care and please keep us posted.

08-10-2006, 10:27 AM	#7
stolenshadow Offline Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Gender: Female Posts: 503	Hello, you mention you are insecure when you answer, that can lead to a damaging cycle which is one of the main causes of memory problems, you don't believe you can do it, you fear you won't do it right, you fail, and next time you begin you remember that you don't believe you can do it. You also mentioned lack of concentration, it can interfere that you don't trust your memory ("I'm studying but surely I won't learn") but there are surely many other things your mind is doing, you have to pay attention to what those are and tell yourself you'll deal with them later. Memory, like all mind issues have to be controlled by YOU, imagine it's like your car, it won't do anything unless you tell it to, and if the road is difficult you have to really focus on making the car work for you. If your brain or thoughts are left to wander around you're the one that has to put order, limits. Assuming your problem is not due to anything physical just meditate a lot (leave your mind blank, concentrate on how you are breathing) that will help you in dealing with all sorts of thoughts. And tell yourself your memory is great, but use different resources for learning, not just reading, maybe say things out loud or visualize them too.

08-10-2006, 11:51 AM	#8
thirdeye Offline Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 25	Why am I so worried always? You are right. My lack of memory is affecting my concentration and my lack of concentration is again affecting my memory. Its a cycle. I get locked up with some worry or the other. I have tried to ask questions on the purpose of my life, what do I want to achieve ultimately and what should I be working on? I don't know what I am really strong at. Whether it is programming or people management. I am technically not weak in my subjects, but I am mentally weak.