View Full Version : Memory and Motivation
I'm having some problem with my memory and motivation, now I know that these could be signs of something else, in the past it was depression or rather anxiety in my case. They gave me tables and I worked through it, managing to come off them after a year or so. Still since coming off the tables my memory and motivation have suffered, so I know that zinc can help memory. Would it be possible that there is another imbalance in my chem's in my body that's causing these affects. It seems almost be getting worse each day, maybe there is something simple I could do to help improve it.
I've tried to sort my levels of fruit and veg, hopefully giving my body the vitamins that it needs though is there something else? I know I could take zinc tables, but at the moment that requires me to try to remember to buy them, put them in my bag and take them to london, then remember to take them in the first place. Some things I'm rather terrible at, so if someone said eating more 'something' would increase this it would mean its something that maybe I could get hold of easy and help in my diet too.
The motivation part I suspect is not just diet related, but also personal, infact I'm surprised I go to the gym at all at the moment as it appears to be the most effort I have made in something for a long time. Infact it requires constant pushing of myself, plus the little memory flash of those 'gill' photo's from the AR to give me that push. But I need this in more then just my gym time, it might be due to my tiredness which is a side affect of depression but also could me something missing in my life. I did think that the gym would give me more energy as I built up my stamina, but it still suffers.
All this could be due to the weeks I have, traveling to London every week, staying up there, and then not seeing my family till the weekend, and then just wanting to sleep. This could be a affect of the fact its winter, cold weather and my job taking the energy out of me, while not phyiscaly straining it does drain me mentally.
Cus my ramblings, but I'm just typing and thinking so it might be a bit mish mashed.
dizzyblonde
08-12-08, 01:36 PM
think you might have an attack of the fed ups :-(
Seems theres an awful lot of folk feeling like this right now. I know a few saying they feel a bit S.A.D.
I'm feeling pretty much the same, but in my case its definetely accumulated stress which turned to full blown depression.
OR are you blonde too ;-)
The above does sadly read to me as if it's depression in it's early stages, possibly even Seasonal Affective Disorder (aka "winter blues").
It's easy to say "positive mental attitude" etc, but that rarely helps. It's usually best to catch the downward spiral early (as it sounds like you have). The big ringer for me is that you've been on tablets in the past, and coming off them makes the feelings worse (or is at least coincidental timing).
Personally I reckon the best approach is to repeat the above post to your GP. I would personally suggest you mention to the GP that you'd prefer to avoid anti-depressants (god awful things that have a number of side effects & are difficult to get off because of events like this very thread!). They could then refer you to a dietician etc from there. That would be the best person to advise positive/motivational foods.
Sadly, many studies have shown that those who have had depression in the past are at a greater risk of having it again - some even suggest depression/anxiety never leaves you once affected.
Good luck with it, and remember that for those really blue days, you always have the .Org. ;)
Well I'm worried its affecting my relationship, as it means I have no motivation at home and seem to forget everything I am told.
Well more the worried, it is... and I need to sort it now. I think its a doc's appointment next week, but I would like to do something for my self first. Might pop to boots later and see if the zinc tables help a bit.
The anti-anxiety tables have a nasty side-affect I would like to avoid.
fizzwheel
08-12-08, 01:42 PM
My memory goes to sh*te in two different cricumstances
1. I'm tired
2. I've got to much on my plate workwise. Which then leads to cr*ppy nights sleep see point 1 above.
I find in extreme circumstances I loose my motivation completely and the only thing I want to do is slob on the sofa and state blankly at the TV for hours and not move.
I know when I feel like that its got to bad and I need to do something about it. Which is namely
1. Clean my desk at work, clean all the crap off of it and have a clean desk.
2. I then write down a list of jobs that I need to do on my pad and then when somebody tries to give me something new to do. I write that down on my list and say, well your task isnt getting done until all these others are. The only time I'll change this is if the problem is order flow effecting as thats where our core priority is.
I find if I can fix the things at work that make me feel like this I'm more motivated to do stuff when I am at home and I am less likely to slob in front of the TV.
I think I suffer like you Grinch I get mentally drained and then I have no capcity for doing anythign else. I find the cycling I do helps as I dont think about things when I'm cycling I just pedal and everything kind of washes over me. If I've had a bad day by the time I get home I feel alot better.
Its difficult to deal with and even getting up off the sofa can be hard some days. Especially when all I feel like I want to do is to shut the world outside and withdraw into myself.
:(
I wouldn't worry too much mate, everyone has their ups and downs. I am usually very motivated to go to the gym etc and all other stuff but I find myself making excuses not to go to the gym or other things at the moment. I put it down to coming back from holiday to this fricken cold weather and also carrying a bit of an injury. Work is a bit boring at the moment too so I just don't want to be here, but I don't want to be doing other things either. Plus my bike's still off the road following my trackday crash.
Lots of little things but they mount up. You'll pull through mate, it's probably just the time of year :)
Not sure what pill you're on about? Selenium maybe?
dizzyblonde
08-12-08, 01:47 PM
Well I'm worried its affecting my relationship, as it means I have no motivation at home and seem to forget everything I am told.
Well more the worried, it is... and I need to sort it now. I think its a doc's appointment next week, but I would like to do something for my self first. Might pop to boots later and see if the zinc tables help a bit.
The anti-anxiety tables have a nasty side-affect I would like to avoid.
I'm not sure zinc supplements will help, i thought that zinc kept your immune system up, it doesn't affect your mood.
I can understand if it affects your relationship, lets just say , Im Indoors isn't the most sympathetic person, and it makes life awkward me being ill right now. Even though I'm DizzyB, there usually isin't muh wrong with my memory but at the moment its like a sieve, especially the short term one
:rolleyes:
The main benefit of zinc is that it helps the immune system. Having a cold whilst feeling crappy already certainly doesn't help.
You could try some homeopathic remedy like st johns wort. http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/special_reports/depression/stjwort.htm I've not tried it but heard good things about it. Also for a more IT based approach how about Brain training on the nintendo ds /wii. Good excuse to a) buy yourself a gadget b) work out the ol grey matter
Speedy Claire
08-12-08, 02:02 PM
I wouldn`t in honesty suspect depression from those 2 symptoms. As others have said it could be more due to the time of year, stress, not getting enough sleep etc. Have you had your thyroid function checked recently? might be worth doing and would just involve a blood test.
Physical symptoms of depression would include:
Slowed movement or speech.
Change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased).
Constipation.
Unexplained aches and pains.
Lack of energy or lack of interest in sex.
Changes to the menstrual cycle.
Disturbed sleep patterns (for example, problems getting off to sleep or waking in the early hours of the morning).
and psychological symptoms would be:
Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Low self-esteem.
Tearfulness.
Feelings of guilt.
Feeling irritable and intolerant of others.
Lack of motivation and less interest, and difficulty in making decisions.
Lack of enjoyment.
Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming someone else.
Feeling anxious or worried.
Reduced sex drive
If you think after reading the above that it might be more than feeling "under the weather" then go see your GP. Some supplements that might help you feel a bit better might include...
Multivitamin and Mineral Complex removes free radicals and provides all necessary nutrients.
Acetylcholine helps prevent memory loss in adults.
Boron improves brain and memory function.
Garlic is a brain cell protector that may benefit age-related memory loss.
Lecithin improves memory.
Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain, thus enhancing memory.
Vitamin B Complex needed for proper brain function.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids improves circulation.
Zinc plus Copper helps remove toxins from the brain and body. Copper is needed to work with zinc in very small doses. L-Tyrosine helps improve learning, memory and awareness and has mood enhancing affects.
Hope you feel better soon :D
grinch - I'm not sure if this may help or not.
I started running for my bad back, but I have found that I have (to my amazement) more energy and a better outlook on moast things in life and it is all due to the running and having something outside of my normal life to focus on.
I don't always enjoy the actual running but find that the solitude I get is good for working things out and the ipod on keeps me going.
I also find that as I did it more I was able to set myself targets to bit and the sense of achievement I got gave me a little high.
The tricky things is getting out the door.
Miss Alpinestarhero
08-12-08, 02:09 PM
Awww Grinch, you do seem rather down. How long have you been feeling like this? Are there certain times of the day where you feel better/worse? Of if this has been happening over the course of a year, do you feel better/worse at certain periods?
How long ago did you come off the tablets? Did your memory and motivation drop once you stopped the tablets? You mentioned tiredness, is that a separate thing entirely or are you unmotivated because you’re tired?
The memory thing is a little worrying…how long has that been deteriorating for?
I agree with what Baph said, I really would go and see your GP, mention all your problems and say that you do not want anti-depressants. They don’t get to the root cause of problems; they only mask it which isn’t the best way forward. I’m a firm believer in psychological therapy – sitting down with someone and properly working through your feelings and issues can help immensely. Particularly discussing things with someone who is detached and bears no personal relationship to you whatsoever.
It’s a shame there is still a stigma attached to seeking psychological help i.e. “oh noes im crazy” because it doesn’t signify that at all.
Sorry for all the questions, im just trying to get a clearer picture of what’s been happening to you and how its affecting you so that us .orgers can help more (and possibly you can sort of help yourself by seeing what you’ve written and getting your thoughts in order?)
Maria
fizzwheel
08-12-08, 02:13 PM
I started running for my bad back, but I have found that I have (to my amazement) more energy and a better outlook on moast things in life and it is all due to the running and having something outside of my normal life to focus on.
I don't always enjoy the actual running but find that the solitude I get is good for working things out and the ipod on keeps me going.
I also find that as I did it more I was able to set myself targets to bit and the sense of achievement I got gave me a little high.
The tricky things is getting out the door.
I found the same with cycling. Its something the Dr said to me years ago. Exercise can really help, but as you say its really hard getting out of the door sometimes.
I've also found being physically fitter helps with avoiding getting colds. I used to get them all the time. I havent had one so far this winter, I've had a few sniffles but nothing thats developed into a cold so far.
As for the gym, I can never get motivated for that as I find it really boring and full of posers - give cycling or running a bash.
do not go for st johns wart, its got side affects of its own thats not good either
i feel the same. i think of something to do and when it comes to it i cant be arsed. ive heard about seasonal disorder because a friend of mine said i suffer from it but i know little about it, in the end i couldnt be arsed to find out....see?
i think the fact ive changed my job doesnt help. its as if my night and day has shifted. for twenty years i was up at 5am for work so in bed by halftenish. now im up at 1am and in bed for 6pm and not much time at home and on the weekends im catchin up with my sleep so no life for me at the mo
doctor wanted to give me tablets but i refused as i drive/ride over 1000miles a week
i know exactly what your on about
DanAbnormal
08-12-08, 02:32 PM
I can't offer you anything other than a manly hug to try and cheer you up.
I can't offer you anything other than a manly hug to try and cheer you up.
I think this wins as quote of the day...
I've got plenty to think about now... and I'll try to anwser the question later...
Dappa D
08-12-08, 02:55 PM
sorry to hear mr grinch, im surprised your not getting more energy now ur excersising more (as long as your doing lots of cardio and not just weights).
I assume you dont smoke weed, but if you do, cut that out as your symptoms sound very much to me like someone who does, or did in earlier years for a long period of time.
this time of year the weather wont be helping, you get natural goodness from the sun (vitimin D i believe) so try and get some of these supplements with Vit D.
also something with ginseng, ive found it great for stamina and energy levels.there are male wellbeing tablets you can get over the counter that i use myself and find them very good.
i can only give you my own personal experience here, but...i have depression/bipolar/manic depression and went onto medication a few years back, lots of different things i tried ending in azipan as well as valium (called something else here cant remember what) and settled on olanzipine (what they give to schyzophrenics) if it gets to a point were tablets could help, maybe try them for a little while, short term, i personally never had any addiction and found it helped, but as i say, i can only go by my own experience pal.
hope things look better soon
x
metalmonkey
08-12-08, 03:02 PM
Hey Grinch sorry to hear that your feeling down, the other guys have covered the medical side, which I don't know much about, however one thing hasn't been mentioned......the postive side.
You have a good job, a great family and some good friends, you have a lot going for you. I know when you feel down, then it so hard to think about this side of thing, but its all there, people can help. Talking things out really does help.
As for the work side of things, would not be possibale to work from home for one day a week? Could be worth asking if you haven't.
As for memory mine isn't great at the best of times, so write everything down, walk around with a small diary and mark everything in it. Make list of things to do, cross em off when your done. I do that it does help.
If you know you have problems with some things, they you need to work around it to make things happen, okay so you have to work hardrer than other people to get the same result, but for some of us that just way it is.
I would look alternative things to medication as well, not sure what that would be, but execrise does help.
Feel better:kiss:
No manly hug here, but try this:
http://www.kovideo.net/music/video/Armand-Van-Helden---Shake-That-Ass/4685.html
DanAbnormal
08-12-08, 03:49 PM
I think this wins as quote of the day...
I've got plenty to think about now... and I'll try to anwser the question later...
Glad it had the desired effect. At least, I hope it had the desired effect, nudge nudge...........:-D
I've only skimmed through the rest of the thread but I don't think anyone's mentioned thyroid problems yet. Over active, under active or being attacked by ones own immune system can have strong psychological as well as physical effects.
When it happened to me there were definate indicators of memory loss, a bit of confusion and depression. Weight changes can also be an issue, either gaining or losing or not being able to shift any.
Other possible sypmtoms include erratic sleeping patterns, inability to control temperature (eg staying freezing cold or sweaty hot even though the room temp is OK) dry skin, poor hair. If you put your fingers softly on your adams apple you may be able to feel swellings either side when you swallow
Go to your GP and insist on a thyroid function test - some are more ready to do it than others. If there is a problem though, it's easily fixed. Don't worry. I've had it for 15 years
Mind you I could be completely wrong and you've got fed upness with a touch of tiredness plus a dose of lack of sunshine blues :smt019
Well I had my thyroid checked last year, but I'll be sure to get it checked again, but I know all about it as Jax has a thyroid problem.
gettin2dizzy
08-12-08, 04:53 PM
Multivitamin and Mineral Complex removes free radicals and provides all necessary nutrients.
Acetylcholine helps prevent memory loss in adults.
Boron improves brain and memory function.
Garlic is a brain cell protector that may benefit age-related memory loss.
Lecithin improves memory.
Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain, thus enhancing memory.
Vitamin B Complex needed for proper brain function.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids improves circulation.
Zinc plus Copper helps remove toxins from the brain and body. Copper is needed to work with zinc in very small doses. L-Tyrosine helps improve learning, memory and awareness and has mood enhancing affects.
Hope you feel better soon :D
Take these with a pinch of salt (not physically; that'd be minging). There aren't any good studies yet that show any significant benefits.
As for losing your memory; as you've drawn attention to it, you notice it more and consequently think it's getting worse.
Sounds just like winter blues and fatigue to me. It's not normal to feel happy as Larry all of the time. I'd avoid getting any meds if you can, as they can be an **** to get back off.
dizzyblonde
08-12-08, 04:54 PM
In my case was checked for everything, as all my symptoms mirrored those of thyroid and diabetes, as I was also having the feeling of passing out at work, and had got to the stage where I could sleep 24 hrs a day and it wouldn't stop me feeeling tired, but neither tests found anything. A lot of symptoms of depression and anxiety mirror those physical problems.
I for one wouldn't agree that I needed anti depressants, I certainly don't agree with taking them, i held together for so long without them..why me and why now?
But after doing the silly thing of falling off the bike, which was partly road and weather conditions, and partially my fault, because I couldnt even do that properly at the time...I knew I had to address the issue. Firstly they put me on Fluoxetine..which made me so ill, I couldnt even get off the sofa for the world spinning( I think I took two of them and that was enough) then they put me on Citalopram, which turned me into a drooling zombie, then they put me on an 'old fashioned' one Lofepramine ..slowly the marbles that I did have, I have started finding under the sofa! They also gave me the option on CBT, and councelling which i start tomorrow.
Still don't agree with the taking the drugs, but if they help me get out of the pit I've falllen into, then so be it.I've even got to the stage where I can see a point where I can start coming off them........oh and slowly my memory is coming back:-) just don't ask me to to something too complicated, cause the attention span isnt quiter there yet;-)
Those at work have been particulary supportive.The day i went back after 2 months off, they asked me how I was etc, I just replied ''well you knew i was nuts in the first place, but now I am officially a nutter!'' they all laughd and said at least i hadnt lost my sense of humour, and that was that, settled in slowly and they've all gathered round...and not because they feel sorry for me or anything, its because we are a close team:cool:
I've had the same with thyroid, and the best thing for it if you don't want medication is, BRAZIL NUT'S, unless your alergic to them!
Nuts are also good for your memory, I eats loads around the time of exams, and I must admit they do help. I can't remember (ha ha) where I read about this, but certainly works, and ideal if you don't want to take medication.
Oh yes, and as a sufferer of depression, the other food that helps is turkey, once I found this out I've made sure I've eaten turkey every week, and touch wood, I've been fine for a couple of years now and not needed to go back on the medication.
HTH Grinch.
Lou
phil24_7
08-12-08, 10:19 PM
I wouldn`t in honesty suspect depression from those 2 symptoms. As others have said it could be more due to the time of year, stress, not getting enough sleep etc. Have you had your thyroid function checked recently? might be worth doing and would just involve a blood test.
Physical symptoms of depression would include:
Slowed movement or speech.
Change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased).
Constipation.
Unexplained aches and pains.
Lack of energy or lack of interest in sex.
Changes to the menstrual cycle.
Disturbed sleep patterns (for example, problems getting off to sleep or waking in the early hours of the morning).
and psychological symptoms would be:
Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Low self-esteem.
Tearfulness.
Feelings of guilt.
Feeling irritable and intolerant of others.
Lack of motivation and less interest, and difficulty in making decisions.
Lack of enjoyment.
Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming someone else.
Feeling anxious or worried.
Reduced sex drive
If you think after reading the above that it might be more than feeling "under the weather" then go see your GP. Some supplements that might help you feel a bit better might include...
Multivitamin and Mineral Complex removes free radicals and provides all necessary nutrients.
Acetylcholine helps prevent memory loss in adults.
Boron improves brain and memory function.
Garlic is a brain cell protector that may benefit age-related memory loss.
Lecithin improves memory.
Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain, thus enhancing memory.
Vitamin B Complex needed for proper brain function.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids improves circulation.
Zinc plus Copper helps remove toxins from the brain and body. Copper is needed to work with zinc in very small doses. L-Tyrosine helps improve learning, memory and awareness and has mood enhancing affects.
Hope you feel better soon :D
Very useful post SC, though I have a few too many of those symptoms than I'm comfortable with!
Speedy Claire
08-12-08, 10:41 PM
oops sorry... all of the above could also be symptoms of Xmas :smt111
ooh I know! I know!
See a doctor.
dizzyblonde
08-12-08, 10:57 PM
ooh I know! I know!
See a doctor.
Really:confused: well I'd have never have thought of that one:rolleyes:
yorkie_chris
09-12-08, 02:05 AM
Exercise, reason many people get stress related things is they build up adrenaline during the day and it goes unused. Fight or fight response... but you can't really punch your boss on the nose, or run out of the building, so it causes problems later.
I've had the same with thyroid, and the best thing for it if you don't want medication is, BRAZIL NUT'S, unless your alergic to them!
Aye, if you were allergic to them it'd be fairly counterproductive, or at best ineffective.
HTH
Aw Grincheh... big hug coming your way. well, a virtual one...
On the serious side...
<responsible moaner mode on>
Anyone who's 'avoiding' thyroid medication for one dumbass reason or another, get back on it. I've just been slapped on the wrists for not taking my medication for 2 years. If it's left untreated, it tends to get worse. There's a REASON you get free prescriptions once you're diagnosed...
<responsible moaner mode off>
Serious cat says... 'Not make mum AND doctr mad... It rly not good 4 happiness'.
:mrgreen:
Grinch needs hugs... If you see him, hug him.
Ping - very, very wise words. I hope you're taking the meds now
Well I'm off work next week so I'll get my Doctors apointment books then, but hopefully this trhead will also give me the slap I need.
captainsmelly
09-12-08, 10:11 AM
I hope you start feeling better mr grinch. You have described how I have been feeling for the last couple of years, I always thought it was something else but its comforting to know other people have the same problem.
You sure you don't smoke weed ;) :lol:
Nope I don't, stopped that years ago. My brain is messed up enough without getting paranoid too.
Its all catching up with you now ;)
Oh, wait, bugger :lol:
And I forgot to say, if you need anti depressants you must take them. The doctor told me that depression was an imbalance of chemicals in the brain and you need the tablets to put the chemical back.
The minimum you should be on them is 6 months. When I had my second bout I was on the tablets 3 years.
Good luck with the doctors Grinch.
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