Losing my memory

[Kinkay]

Hi everyone. This isn't diet related, but I need advice.

I am clinically depressed and lately, I seem like a different person. I've been depressed for a year, and my emotions were always so extreme. But now, I seem to not be able to care about anything. I'm dropping school next term, and I quit my job (in hopes of finding a less food-oriented position). I've also been sleeping 10 hours a night (I used to get by with 6-7 hours). Furthermore, I have NO short term memory. I never remember when I work, what time I'm supposed to be doing something, and I kept going to the wrong classroom this term. I feel like I'm losing my mind. Does anyone know if these are simply symptoms of depression, or do I have something more to worry about? I fear I'm slipping into dementia.

[loser4life]

I don't know sweetie but I hope everything falls into place for you soon *hugs*

[cleochatra]

This is where I tell you to see your doctor and discuss this with him. Losing interest in everything is a definite sign of depression. However, quitting everything doesn't solve anything--you'll find yourself more depressed for quitting than had you stuck in.

Even when thin you're going to face stressors in your life. Getting through them is what you need to do.

Definitely talk to your doctor--okay, sugarknees?

[Desertthorn]

I agree with Cleo, its time to call your doctor and since your in Canada, do it now.. Don't wait...
Depression isn't something that will just go away on its own

[2big4mysize]

yep it can be other medical reasons for all of it and simple standard blood tests will tellyour doc what it is. Hypothyroid folk have all your symptomns and then some.

[loriv19]

Morning Kinkay,

Are you currently on any meds? I too agree that its time to get into the drs office and see if maybe you need to reevalutate what your taking or not taking.

I suffer from extream PMS and am on anti-depressents to help with the symptions. I'll typically go thru a few good months and than like today, fall desperatly into sadness and want to withdrawl from life.

I hate feeling like this and I'm sure you do too. It isn't fun thinking your loosing your mind and control of your life.

Get to the drs and take care of you.

[Kinkay]

Thanks for the caring replies, everybody.

And thank you for being my friends.

I've seen many doctors and counselors. Now there's a relative who wants to do medical research on me (grr). My family doc keeps making me take pills, so I end up taking home the pills, not eating them, and going back to tell her I can't handle it. Now I'm afraid to see her again because the last time I saw her I said I was "already taking the effexor she gave me". Of course, I LIED. I tried paxil in the past...but that was toooo strong for me.

I've decided to take the effexor that's sitting in my cupboard. Been there for a month now. I didn't want to take them because I read about some people gaining weight on them and really, weight gain is one of my reasons for falling deeper into depression.
But I've gotten to the point where I'm scared of everything...sleeping, waking, going to school, getting dressed, picking up the phone...
I'm terribly scared of taking the effexor tonight...but I'll do it because I can't go on like this. I mean, surely some people can still lose while on it? I'm also fearful of the withdrawal symptoms because I read some people going CRAZY when going off them. Oooh boy.

[2big4mysize]

good for you. If your doc didn't do blood work befroe tossing those pills at you go see her and get tested. Also discuss SAD with her if your depression in just come on recently with the lessening of the sunlight.

the human body using bright light to tell the area of the brain that convert the meletonin to seratonin to change it and when it gets winter time and their isn't as much light folk with SAD have depression symptoms that are cured with using a bright as in 10,000 lums bright light.

[jeepgirl06]

Don't be afraid of effexor... just remember this..

You don't have to be on effexor forever most likely. A lot of the time, the brain chemicals have reset themselves entirely within a years time which is really great. ( Trust me, speaking from experience)

1.) Give it a few weeks to kick in. It's not an overnight solution. It has to build up and you will notice a huge difference in about 3 weeks.

2.) Do not DROP it. You take it until your doctor feels like you might be ready to come off of it and then you are weened off of it. The weening doesn't take very long and it takes away the effects.. Never, EVER, drop your medication off and stop taking it suddenly. That's what makes people go nuts, they drop it without slowly decreasing the amount they're taking.

It will make a tremendous difference in your life. I weened off a month ago, and I still feel wonderful and happy and I can cope with about anything!!!

[chezza]

I hope this week is easier for you Kinkay. A few years ago I had similiar symptoms other than the depression, was quite ill for about a year, put on weight, loss of memory, migraines, loss of speech, was abit of a state, the hospital was testing me for brain tumor and stroke,was very serious, had to give up my job, forgot to call friends and family. Was in a weird world of myown.
I went on the lo carb diet to lose weight and within two weeks all my symptoms went away, turns out I was wheat intolerent. As I traveled with work alot I was eating muesli and pasta thinking I was being more healthy for not going takeaway.
Cutting out the wheat changed my life, now I am as healthy as I used to be and my memory, speech and reflexes are as sharp as ever - even got a promotion
Perhaps you might like to try changing the diet such as trying dairy or gluten free.
You can have blood tests for these types of allergies too. I hope your problem is as easy to fix as mine was.