[enjoythesilence1013]

Out of curiosity, do any of you feel less intelligent than you used to feel? I definitely feel like problem solving skills are just gone, which makes me even more terrified to go back to work. I also feel like I don't retain information nearly as well as I used to. Maybe I just need to read more

I am definatly the same.
I've been through trmendous stress.
Mostley, I have no interest in things.
Prbly the same with me wanting to remember stuff.
While losing my memory, I also find I have forgoten have to do basic tasks, and odd jobs.
Just can't retain things in my memory like i use to.
I know some of it is my blood-pressure med, as it slows down everthing to a point i am just too tired to concentrate.
I don't know what you are on for meds, but the drowsiness takes over my quick wits.!
Hoe all comes back to you soon..

[regretful]

It's the depression. It zaps your brain of the ability to concentrate on things and problem solve. I know that there is a long biological explanation for this which has to do with the areas of the brain affected by depression. I've always looked at it from the standpoint of cognitive economy. That is, you have 100% of your brain to use for all that you use your brain for...if you are depressed, you spend about 80% of that brain trying to fight off depression. As a result, everything else suffers...

[Blue Poppy]

The main struggle I have had is with concentration and short term memory. It is encouraging that it has improved as my depression improved.

[optimize990h]

Yes, I would definitely believe it is depression. With me, sleep deprivation also affects concentration and memory(had this confirmed by a neuropsychiatrist).

[dg1983]

Enjoythesilence, there are times I feel less intelligent, though I am probably even smarter and wiser now. It's just the lack of concentration that depression gives me makes me forget the reality. You mentioned reading more, that's something I am trying to do as well. I find the more I read, the better I get at focusing on the present moment.