Concentration & short term memory completely shot

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maxxis

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I recently found myself struggling with short memory and concentration.

Not sure if this is just an early sign of burning out and needing a proper holiday or at worst a sign of something more serious.

Naturally the doc wants to throw Concerta or Ritalin at me and I'm really not in the mood for that ****.

Current medication includes a very mild anti anxiety drug but also an anti-epileptic which is known to cause the above issues as well but recently it's become worse.

I exercise regularly but my diet needs a little work. For example I drink way too much coffee. Zero alcohol intake though.
I supplement with Folapro (folic acid)

Anyone else experience this? Any tips on how to improve overall brain function?
 
ScottulusMaximus said:
SAD

Yes really.

www.mayoclinic.org

Steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year-Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

This type of depression is related to changes in seasons and begins and ends at about the same times every year.
www.mayoclinic.org www.mayoclinic.org

A mild anti-depressant for a few months might help if it gets bad.
Click to expand...

I don't show any symptoms of depression to be honest. I feel perfectly normal with the occasional reactive spot of feeling down or irritated based on my circumstances etc.
 
Stress? Coffee is also bad for memory.
 
Reduce caffeine intake and do some meditation/yoga/exercise.

Try that for a month and see how you feel.

Some time off would also help, especially if you are dealing with withdrawal symptoms.
 
Exercise and proper downtime (no phone social media) get out for a walk if you can or take a couple days off and do something completely different to the norm. i.e if your infront of a computer all day build something in your garage
 
maxxis said:
I don't show any symptoms of depression to be honest. I feel perfectly normal with the occasional reactive spot of feeling down or irritated based on my circumstances etc.
Click to expand...

Well in 2 posts you've indicated 5 of the 9 symptoms.

SAD isn't depression, antidepressants just help if it gets bad.

Easiest way to feel better is sun and warmth.
 
maxxis said:
I don't show any symptoms of depression to be honest. I feel perfectly normal with the occasional reactive spot of feeling down or irritated based on my circumstances etc.
Click to expand...
Struggling to concentrate/focus is a symptom of depression.

it’s worth considering that the word “depression” has two uses. Colloquially we use it almost exclusively in the context of mood. Sadness, feeling down, feeling depressed. But clinically it’s a bouquet of symptoms, that you only need to present a few from.
 
jezzad said:
Exercise and proper downtime (no phone social media) get out for a walk if you can or take a couple days off and do something completely different to the norm. i.e if your infront of a computer all day build something in your garage
Click to expand...

Moving house beginning of August and I have a week off with DIY around the house that will definitely distract me a lot from a fairly stressful job. I'm 90% I will be phoned and expected to answer emails during my leave though. It's a known norm in my company. Leave isn't exactly leave unless you leave the country or go somewhere with no signal.

I do make sure to switch off completely on weekends. Go ride my bike, get lots of fresh air, do different things.
 
Thanks for all the feedback. Will definitely do some self searching about depression and a solution to that.
 
Doing something adventures that would give you a adrenaline boost is maybe a faster way of dealing with stress than just a relaxing break away.
 
rietrot said:
Doing something adventures that would give you a adrenaline boost is maybe a faster way of dealing with stress than just a relaxing break away.
Click to expand...

I get a proper adrenalin rush on the mountain bike every weekend. I ride .... how do you say... outside of my comfort zone.
 
maxxis said:
I recently found myself struggling with short memory and concentration.

Not sure if this is just an early sign of burning out and needing a proper holiday or at worst a sign of something more serious.

Naturally the doc wants to throw Concerta or Ritalin at me and I'm really not in the mood for that ****.

Current medication includes a very mild anti anxiety drug but also an anti-epileptic which is known to cause the above issues as well but recently it's become worse.

I exercise regularly but my diet needs a little work. For example I drink way too much coffee. Zero alcohol intake though.
I supplement with Folapro (folic acid)

Anyone else experience this? Any tips on how to improve overall brain function?
Click to expand...
Provigil/modifanil
 
maxxis said:
I recently found myself struggling with short memory and concentration.

Not sure if this is just an early sign of burning out and needing a proper holiday or at worst a sign of something more serious.

Naturally the doc wants to throw Concerta or Ritalin at me and I'm really not in the mood for that ****.

Current medication includes a very mild anti anxiety drug but also an anti-epileptic which is known to cause the above issues as well but recently it's become worse.

I exercise regularly but my diet needs a little work. For example I drink way too much coffee. Zero alcohol intake though.
I supplement with Folapro (folic acid)

Anyone else experience this? Any tips on how to improve overall brain function?
Click to expand...
Take L-theanine, In South Africa it is known as Relicalm but you can order it from Iherb as L-Theanine. At least 200 mg. It works best if you can drink it with caffeine (coffee) or buy the one mixed with caffeine. Believe me, it works.
 
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