I'm 22 and forgetful - a rant
By SomeCowgirl
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
United States
February 2, 2010 11:32am CST
I am 22, and I am forgetful. I used to remember things, numbers, birthday parties, everything. I would be the one who brought up something that happened years ago, but that I remember clearly. I also used to stay awake, a mantra in my head about what I needed to remember, because I was a thinker... I would think before sleep, dream think before sleep, in class, on the way somewhere... Now I forget easily, I'm not confident, though I never truly was.
I don't pay attention - I'll admit, and I can lose an argument fast just because I forget what I was arguing for. I stammer over my words, and I have to impress everyone, or I'm depressed. If someone asks me why, I stammer and close up...
I've not always been this way, yes in some ways I have, but never this severe. I'm depressed, or just sad, I'm anxious... I aim to please, but fear I never do... I want to make people proud of me... I suppose I'm human.
I know there's things I can do to help myself remember things, to help myself pay attention more, I suppose it helps when I have something to distract me, a task, but it better not be cleaning unless it's something I WANT TO CLEAN, otherwise, it's reading, writing, or watching t.v., now it's also playing a video game. Actually I can't wait to play a video game today!
So is anyone like me?
5 people like this
15 responses
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
2 Feb 10
Everyone is forgetful if they are under stress. This is normal. I am forgetful with age and walk around with my diary to write things down and have paper and pen by by bedside so if I wake up worrying about something that I have to do - I write it down. No worrying if I will remember it in he morning. You are newly married, working and keeping house. It is oh so normal for you to be stressed atthis time with so much going on. Please don't be hard on yourself.
There may, of course, be other reasons and you can try to work out what it could be. I have been a bit like you at times. If you do not pass through this then you need to get some help with the depression. Sending you a very big hug
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
2 Feb 10
I think it's a good idea to have pencil and pad ready, I'll do that sometimes in case I need to tell someone something, or wanted to ask someone a question. That in itself should help me get better at remembering... Depression runs in my family, and I've had on and off for as long as I can remember. It will pass, I just have to distract myself, or do things I want to do.
Thanks so much for the hug. Hope your doing well.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
2 Feb 10
The greatest blessing we have is that everything passes; nothing remains the same. I do hope that you get through this quickly. I will pray for you
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
3 Feb 10
Thank You Cynthi, I feel better already with friends like you. I'm sure it will pass, it always does!
@peavey (16936)
• United States
2 Feb 10
I am, to a certain extent, but I'm old enough to use that for an excuse. :) I think sometimes, we know how to do better, but don't want to. You said, "I know there's things I can do to help myself remember things, to help myself pay attention more," so you know you can do it.
On the other hand, I was just reading somewhere (can't remember where!) that a lack of magnesium causes memory problems. Have you had your blood tested? Have it checked for B vitamins, Vitamin D and minerals, especially. Quite often, nutritional deficiencies cause problems that we would never think of.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
2 Feb 10
I've had my blood drawn a few times in the past couple of months, but no one has said
anything other then an iron deficiency. I won't rule vitamin deficency out though. I know there's ginkgo biloba for memory problems. I'm not sure if my lack of iron has anything to do with memory. I take an iron supplement, but am waiting for the bottle to run out so I can buy Ferrous Sulfate, I think is what it's called, a stronger iron.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
2 Feb 10
They don't always do a complete check for mineral deficiencies, so if I were you, I'd ask them about it. I don't know if an iron deficiency has anything to do with a memory loss. One of my daughters has severe iron deficiency anemia and has to take iron all the time, but she doesn't have any problems with memory as far as I know.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
3 Feb 10
I didn't know they don't do a full checkup. I hadn't officially gone to a doctor the times my blood was drawn. Once was for work (mandatory as i'm an in home aide), another was for an appointment I had at the health department (before I got insurance), and the last time was a visit to the ER... The only one that told me about iron levels being bad is the health department, but they could have just been picky.
I didn't know if iron had anything to do with memory or not, I kind of doubted it!
@hellcowboy (7374)
• United States
26 Mar 10
I know you forget somethings baby,and I also forget things,and I can do something or ask something,and then turn around and forget I did it,or forget I asked it,and I know sometimes you do not pay as much attention as you should,but that happens to me as well,and probably everyone else too,and sometimes I stammer when I am talking and even though Bill is my step grandfather I blame him for it,since he has a bad habit of stammering when he is talking to people,and video games are awesome,and we should play another video game together soon,I love you with all of my heart and soul.
@Allie_xoxo (1063)
• Canada
2 Feb 10
foods rich in omega 3 will help to maintain and develop your memory and brain health.
1 person likes this
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
11 Feb 10
You are so hilarious. Do you think it could be hormones?
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
5 Feb 10
Hi Somecowgirl
Good to see you
I used to be like you and it is called stress and insecurity it took a long time for me to come out of it
You need to learn to stop trying to impress others, to just be you and People should accept you for who you are not what they want you to be
You need to build your Confidence by being you and liking you and not wonder what other People think about you just be you as I can see you are a lovely Person
I am passing the advice to you that a sweet Friend here on mylot told me and she guided me
It does work believe me I am the fact that it does
Big Hugs and be you
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
3 Feb 10
don't feel bad.i forget what i'm saying in the middle of a sentence sometimes..
and i started doing that way before i hit 40.
that's a bit odd at 22,but it could be stress.stress will cause brainfarts sometimes.
that's a bit odd at 22,but it could be stress.stress will cause brainfarts sometimes.
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
3 Feb 10
Like you, I also want to make people around me, especially the people that are very special to me, to be proud of what I can do. And when it comes to forgetting things...been there, done that!It can get frustrating at some point because I feel a little helpless. And don't rely on me when it comes to remembering names. I truly fail in that. To be honest, I've had my share of embarrassing moments due to forgetting names.
It can get frustrating at some point because I feel a little helpless. And don't rely on me when it comes to remembering names. I truly fail in that. To be honest, I've had my share of embarrassing moments due to forgetting names.
@nijolechu (1842)
• Canada
3 Feb 10
I don't forget the important things or events that I would have to be at. But I do sometimes forget the little things sometimes. Maybe it would be best to jot the places and information that you have to remember. That's what my elderly friends do.
@onida143 (117)
• India
3 Feb 10
well at present i am in the age of my 22 and i was not as u some thing diffrent i dont have friends and i had no time to enjoy every time and everyu minut m ake me like hell becuase in this age every one want to have some good friends and good time to make thier life happier and make those days memorable and remember after when we are old but i missed every thing my college life my friends i left my friends becuase they are selfish and i felt being alone in the dark is better than bad company so still waiting for some color full life in my life befor my page passes atleast 25 dont know what happens need to waity for the result how ever my age 22 is going to pass sooner
@cowboyofhell (3063)
• Philippines
3 Feb 10
I think the reason why your forgetting easily is that you never bother to make an effort with remembering things. I use to be forgetful like you but one day I decided to jack up my mind to recall things as easy as possible. Luckily, my brain seem to approve and be my slave and ever since then I am in complete control and never forget that much. At times, I have to admit defeat and write things on a notepad because no one is perfect. Its not worth it to waste time trying to think about where I put my keys and all so I just consult any memory aid.
@Parker008 (26)
• China
3 Feb 10
Yes I do have the same problem. I don't know why, sometimes I couldn't remember something, including what I've considered about. If you have a good way to cure it, share with me please,thank you!
have an excellent day!
@mdawson11 (13)
• United States
3 Feb 10
Being depressed takes its toll on your life. You feel not yourself. Like you don't fit or belong inside your body. Saying positive things to yourself is a start. You have to know that you are not alone. If more people talk about their experiences we may find it easier to handle our own. Maybe we'll see that we don't have to prove anything to anybody. That acceptence begins inside. That an inner "light" will attract those you need in your life. Also, I have to say that I tend to forget what I'm arguing about in the middle of a conversation. It was frustrating at first, now I chalk it up to, either it wasn't that important, or the thought will come back. I've been blessed to be around people who know and accept certain things, like my forgetfulness and "stammering". Which in turn has helped me relax when I speak to people, keep smiling no matter what. When all fails laugh it up,life is short, times are hard. No one is as alone as they may feel. Continue to love no matter what, It will get easier.
@celticeagle (167071)
• Boise, Idaho
3 Feb 10
Well I have the same problem. I am 58. I have two bad accident in which I recieved bad hits to the same spot on my head(frontal lobe). My memory used to be very good. I could remember telephone numbers, peoples names, things that happened and their approximate dates, and things like this. After the last accidents I lost a fare amount of my memorty. And also after my last bad severe depression it has gotten even worse. There are mind games you can play on yourself to help you remember. One of the ones that helps me the most is called association. And that is just associating something with the numbers or names or whatever it is and that will help you remember. It does help. Keep on it.
