depression and memory holes

Hi there - I've started seeing a therapist for depression issues. I've been in denial that I've needed help and some of my antics led to destructive behavior, however, my memory of that behavior is fuzzy. Does anybody know if memory holes are a symptom or part of the depression? When I talked to those who've confronted me, I just can't remember some of the things.

I'm not sure, memory gaps can be caused by so many things!

I would suggest asking your therapist about it. He/she might be able to give you insight into the matter.


Memories can be affected by depression, dissociation, and physical causes as simple as vitamin deficiency - those are some basic things I know about. So without knowing more and not having training I couldn't tell you what YOU'RE experiencing.

Best of luck

oh YUS and to PC =D

Welcome to PC, guitarman61! I agree with turquoisesea - depression can cause some memory loss, but so can many other things. Best to have a complete physical check up to make certain that nothing else is going on that can affect memory and even cause and/or contribute to depression itself.

I agree, you should talk with your therapist about this. I have memory problems from bouts with severe depression. You also mentioned "destructive behavior," if that included drugs or alcohol, that could also cause memory loss. Talking with your therapist about it is a good place to start.

Welcome!

I too have "memory holes". My depression was really at it's worst in my late teens, and there are things that no matter how I try, though family and friends can remember, I can not.

worth mentioning to your T

Thanks for all your replies. The specific issue I have in terms of substance abuse is not a what but a who and the break up of a close friendship which has contributed to my depression.

Thanks for your reply (that goes for everybody). Any substance abuse was a who not a what. I'm having trouble coping with a friendship that ended badly. It was my fault it ended and went about trying to resurrect it in a bad way. The remorse I feel is deep and palpable.

I'm sorry for the loss of your friendship, guitarman61. I'm glad you are seeing a T now who can help you through the grieving process for that loss. Perhaps in time, when you know more about your disorders and have developed skills and possibly get on medication to help manage them, if the opportunity presents itself you might be able to explain things to your former friend, possibly rekindle the relationship, or at least be able to forgive yourself for how things ended. Please be very patient and kind to yourself right now - you're just beginning treatment and self-recriminations at this point in time will serve you no good. Please keep posting and we'll all provide whatever comfort and support that we can.

((((guitarman)))))) I'm sorry to hear that you have been going through so much. Uhm, how to start: Memory holes, yes depression affects ability to concentrate, affects memory and can put the body into a simialr state as it is in long term stress. Cortisol makes it hard to focus and notice more than that which is directly infront of you, and can make processing the information you have around you. So a combination of all this, problems concentrating on what's going on, trouble processing what you can concentrate on, problems retrieving old relevant memory and cortisol making it hard for you to code in new memories, I'd say that yes, one probably gets memory holes, or can run the risk. I know that I do Welcome to the board, and I hope that you find that this is a good plae to come and be you

I agree with everyone else -- better to be safe than sorry and get a full physical exam to rule out physiological reasons for the depression. If it turns out your memory holes are due to depression, then I wanted to let you know you're not alone in that. When my depression was at its worst I used to joke that I had a "goldfish memory" -- couldn't remember things that had happened the same day, sometimes, and I'd completely forget what I was talking about mid-sentence. I brushed it off around other people but in reality it was terrifying. Now I'm doing much better and I don't suffer from nearly as many memory problems. I do hope you bring it up with your doctor and/or T. My personal theory (but I'm not an expert!) is that our minds are on overdrive trying to process our depression to the point that we can't process other things, like memories.

Keep us posted on how you're doing. And welcome to PC!

(((((((((((((((( guitarman )))))))))))))))))

Hi,
I have had depression for 15 years. I recently came off of anti-depressants after 14 years. I have noticed that my memory and concetration are much worse now that I am untreated and experiencing the depression again. I just feel scatter brained. On Saturday I spent 15 minutes unloading the dryer so that I could move the clothes from the washer into the dryer and then I just walked away and completely forget to put the clothes in the dryer. I remembered a half an hour later. Put them in and then forgot to turn it on. I have a Master's degree - I'm not a ditz, this is definately a symptom of the depression for me. I totally relate.