Stress, Forgetfulness, & Memory Loss: When Is it Mental Illness?

When does stress cause forgetfulness and memory loss, and when is it mental illness? Triple board-certified neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho is one of the country's foremost experts in psychological and neurological testing. She understands better than most when stress leads to forgetfulness or memory loss and when someone should consider seeing a mental health professional.

The education doesn't end here. Discover more on stress, memory issues, Alzheimers, dementia, and other mental health symptoms most people miss with Dr. Judy Ho at the links below.

In this discussion, Dr. Judy and MedCircle host Kyle Kittleson answer...

- From the perspective as a neuropsychologist—when does “having a bad memory” become an actual mental health concern?
- What are the potential mental health causes? Dementia, Alzheimer's, anything else?
- Can someone have worse memory with anxiety or depression?
What are the signs it's time to look for mental health treatment?

And more.

Watch Dr. Judy's full series on...

#Stress #Memory #MedCircle

*MedCircle is not a referral service and does not recommend, endorse, discourage, screen, or approve any providers, medical procedures, products, or services; nor does MedCircle provide medical advice of any kind. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

[MedCircle]

This was just one video from the MedCircle all-day Mental Health Summit.

[dominostabz]

I’m 16 and I feel like I forget EVERYTHING, like it’s too the point where people think I’m unintelligent, and they point out we’ve had the same conversation before. It kills me

[combatwombat]

One thing NOT mentioned is dehydration. Sadly people don't even realise they are dehydrated (normally because they don't want to "keep going to the toilet") but this has a huge effect on thought processes, mood, and memory.

[preciousadorable]

To be honest, I believe that my lack of mindfulness plays a huge role in my forgetfulness. I normally do things without mentally connecting to my action.
For example, if I go somewhere in the house then just rest my phone on the table, I might forget to pick it up from there. However if in my mind I acknowledge that I'm resting my phone on that table I stand a better chance at remembering to pick it up.

I hope I make sense here.

[amym]

A lot of really young people here. I am about to turn 46 and am noticing changes in my ability to follow directions or retain information and then remember it soon after. I’ve lost 2 new jobs recently because I can’t remember what to do. I can’t even make it through the training period. I’m here because I just lost the second one. I’ve lived in this area all my life and got lost driving just yesterday. I’m self aware enough to realize this is something that is new for me and has been happening progressively over time. I maintained a 4.0 in college and never had this issue, I’m getting concerned.

[perrystalsisworldofbiology]

My life-long depression has definitely effected my memory. For example, I worked for nearly 20 years in a tire factory and its like it never happened. I don't have much memory of it all. Secondly, my older son moved out of home 4 years ago and sometimes I forget he even exists or existed at all. This is not new. I have only a few childhood memories. Mainly surrounding food and school.

[craigmerkey]

As someone who is learning disabled I can really identify with this! I have to say I feel blessed to have a computer in my back pocket to help me and keep me organized.

[andrew]

I can’t recommend writing your life down enough (or another way of recording your life if reading/writing is a challenge, like video diaries, or drawing a picture a day, tracking mood, etc.). ADHD causes so many different memory challenges for me, both short term and long term, and nothing has helped me remember events of my life better than keeping a paper planner and a long-hand writing journal/scrapbook. I flip through them every so often, and can recall my life a lot easier because it’s saturated with different cues in my journals.

[sightsr]

It hurts to remember things, even important stuff. I can't think hard or at all. It's a PAIN, and I'm screaming internally. 😔

[giant]

I'm in my early 20s and cant even remember when I wrote down 5 seconds ago... daily struggles with anxiety and stress is making me miserable, can't even function in my job. It feels like its too late to fix my problems. Its so anoying having to ask the same question 3 times looking like a fool.

[mannyfragoza]

there are many things i did in my life i couldn't wait to forget

[jimlahey]

I’ve suffered from this since i was 17 and I’m 22 now. It has single handedly effected every aspect of my life. To the point where i can barely do my job properly. I used to have excellent memory then all of a sudden it disappeared. I think its due to possible drug use but i have been off everything since it happened. If any of you have experienced something similar please respond

[Kevin-seoe]

I constantly forget things all the time, it sucks forgetting everything I learn.

[lilmeowmeow]

I am 21 and I've always had amazing memory it was one of the things other people used to compliment me on, i coukd remember other peoples phone number locks after seeing them once but ever since the start of this year i went through a lot of stress and i started noticing my memory took a huge hit. I struggle to speak sometimes because I cant remember certain basic words that I am thinking of. I sometimes wont be able to recall an entire event that happened, complete loss of that event until I am reminded of a very specific thing that happened (like the clothes I was wearing or a picture of that day) Idk of this is an actual concern, because my family does have a few older people who suffered with alzhiemers or if I'm overhtinking it and stressibg myself out

[xThePHINIXx]

I am 15 and i have been struggling with this for a while now and it's just really affecting my day to day activities

[ToastedSeagul]

Im still very Young and am struggling with severe memory loss, thank you so much! Im still very Young and am struggling with severe memory loss, thank you so much! Im still very Young and am struggling with severe memory loss, thank you so much!

[LeafsIn]

Thank you for confirming I am on the right path with my child with ADHD and for offering helpful links for both of us!

[vinetam]

I can't understand why i forget simple words while speaking. the word is in my head, i can picture ir or name it in different language, but i have to really dig in my mind to remember the word and it takes few seconds every time. It freaks me out because it happens all the time.

[GiftsAmimalsGiveUs]

I have a question about memory loss and childhood abuse. I can't remember a lot of my childhood and forgot about some of my family members also. I know from trauma your brain can protect you from certain things. Should people be worried about that loss from childhood that never returned or just take it as is?

[jestronixhanderson]

I’ve worked in IT for 25 years, two years ago I started having issues finding things on the screen, like really bad, I then got sick with digestive issues and lost 30% of my weight, it’s taken me two years to get back to a normal weight. However I now have issues with comprehension and still finding things on a screen. It’s impacted my work, I have issues with finding words and understanding things. I’m going to get tested as I feel like I’m losing my skills, it’s scary as I feel I might have to stop working in my field and pick something simple, it’s humbling and pretty embarrassing as I used to be quick and easily do my work. I can’t remember people’s names and discussions, yet I remember something’s really well. I’m 45