[davmid]

I've always been known as a problem solver. In all the jobs I ever had, if a problem came up and others couldn't figure it out, it got handed off to me. For the past 15 years I've been a designer and builder of high end cutom furniture and cabinetry which involves many very intricate and complex designs. I got my current job because my company needed to build an elaborate round walnut office into a round room and I new how to. This winter, as a side gig, I designed a large kombucha tea brewery and pub- the first of its kind. And came up with the designs for most of the equipment since it didn't exist.

Now, for the past several months, I look at basic drawings and easy projects and can't figure out the simplest things. I'm currently fixing up my house because I have to sell it and it's taking me forever. On most of the areas that I'm working on, I know in the past I could just look at it and see the finished product in my mind. Now there are parts of it that I've been trying to figure out for days and I just can't figure it out. It's just a big blank.

This really scares me because that creative space in my head has always been my safe place. It's always been where I could go and know that I'm special. Where can I go now? It's also pretty scary because it's my job to come up with the plans and explain them to 5 guys who look to me for the answers.

Is this lack of concentration a regular part of depression. If I get started on meds is this going to come back to me? I'm pretty sure if it doesn't, I'm doomed...

[Bluegerbera1]

I'm similar to you. I am a teacher of 11 to 18 year olds but have been off work for 3 months so far due to depression. I am overwhelmed with the thought of going back at some time. I used to be able to talk in front of a room full of kids, give presentations at meetings and solve many problems that came up. I was also a 'go to' person for my colleagues. At the moment, I can barely talk to anyone besides my close family and my doctor.
I saw work as a performance. It was like being on stage each and every day and I loved it until fairly recently.
My doctor thinks its just part of the depression and I've not found Meds that work yet, just about to start a new one so fingers crossed this will all go away and I can get back to being me.
Good luck. I would suggest talking this over with your doctor. He or she might be able to reassure you that it is temporary, fingers crossed.

I don't know much about psychology, but I can tell you this and I hope it helps: your lack of concentration is a symptom of depression, but it really depends on how long its lasted and if their are other symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, hypersomnia, or if you have been down in the dumps for at least 2 weeks. But keep in mind this may be A.D.H.D or A.D.D (if you haven't been diagnosed with these already). Well, I'm not a psychologist, but I hope this helps.

[davmid]

Originally Posted by Bluegerbera1

I am overwhelmed with the thought of going back at some time. I used to be able to talk in front of a room full of kids, give presentations at meetings and solve many problems that came up. I was also a 'go to' person for my colleagues. At the moment, I can barely talk to anyone besides my close family and my doctor.

I share your pain of berely being able to talk to anyone right now. It's hard enough trying to keep it together for the guys in the shop, but I also have to meet with clients and present ideas to them. This involves a lot of on the spot creativity and coming up with solutions to all sorts of problems on demand- one part of my job that I always loved. Now I often find myself showing up at a client meeting after crying the entire ride there and trying to straighten myself up enough just to get out of the car and seem somewhat competent. It's terrifying.

[bharani1008]

Be sure to get a full physical check-up. Also see a psychiatrist or psychologist. Lack of concentration and mild confusion can be symptoms of depression. For me it felt like my mind was sluggish and foggy. Medication helped me immensely so please get help.
Good luck to you.

[Rohag]

If you move towards meds, inform your prescribing doctor that it is important to you to safeguard "that creative space in your head." They need to take that into account in choosing how to proceed and which meds to try.