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lolabannana
Q: 

Why do I have memory problems?

By November 8, 2012 - 1:55pm
 
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I am 21 years old female and I have noticed that my memory is getting worse. This didn't start until my older brother died when I was 16. I noticed that I completely blocked out almost everything that happened during that time. His death among other things has caused me to have PTSD and anxiety issues. Now I am in the Army and I find myself not remembering what i did the day before. If i ask you a question then 3-5 minutes later I ask you the same question and I don't even remember asking you. I can remember songs and books but anything else and I have no idea. I constantly lose paperwork at my job and I can't remember where I put other things. Would this be related to the PTSD or something else. I am also OCD and have a bit of Schizotypal personality disorder but that's undiagnosed. I have trouble sleeping at night( go to bed at 1am and wake up at 06:50am) and normally sleep during the day on my lunch break. I also have a poor appetite meaning I don't eat breakfast or lunch, just snacks and occasionally dinner. Could any of this be related to my forgetfulness?

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi lolabannana,

Welcome to EmpowHER. Sorry, you are feeling this way.  Most definitely, all your symptoms can be due to that difficult moment in your life.  Here are some of the symptoms for PTSD.  

Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:

  1. Flashbacks, or reliving the traumatic event for minutes or even days at a time
  2. Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event

Symptoms of avoidance and emotional numbing may include:

  1. Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
  2. Feeling emotionally numb
  3. Avoiding activities you once enjoyed
  4. Hopelessness about the future
  5. Memory problems
  6. Trouble concentrating
  7. Difficulty maintaining close relationships

Symptoms of anxiety and increased emotional arousal may include:

  1. Irritability or anger
  2. Overwhelming guilt or shame
  3. Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much
  4. Trouble sleeping
  5. Being easily startled or frightened
  6. Hearing or seeing things that aren't there.  

It's important if you are feeling this way to see a doctor and explain how you are feeling.  Medication and therapy together can help you overcome all these feelings and symptoms.

Best of luck,

Daisy

 

November 9, 2012 - 7:38am

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