I used to be so sharp, with endless brain capacity. I remembered everything for everyone. But lately it seems like I only remember the least important things. I can have a great session with my therapist but by the time I get to the notepad in my car I have no idea what we even talked about, or what she told me to work on!
Bring the notepad to the session, I assure you a good therapist wont mind if you tell them "I've been experiencing some memory issues lately, so I'd like to take notes during the session." Just be careful, focus on active listening and truly only write down important things and try not to fall into the trap of writing everything or else the quality of the session will diminish.
I am suffering from no working memory. 😂 Sometimes I don't know why I am in the kitchen or in the backyard. I have to go back to the home office room and suddenly I remember why I left the room.
That happens to me too often!. I get so mad!. I go to one part of the room to remember something and then I go to the new room and I completely don't remember why I'm there.!. 😂
What you said resonates with me. It's so frustrating. Oftentimes I find retracing my steps to where I came from will jog my memory. As in, what was I thinking about over there before I came walking over here with intent. Doing this usually works 😁
1. Use your senses 3:14 2. Visualizing 3:45 3. Smell and taste 4:08 4. Sense of touch 4:58 5. Cognitive offloading 5:19 6. Routines and structures 5:45
This is exactly what I've been going through, and couldn't explain to anyone. I could be doing something and stop to walk into another room and forget what I was doing and start doing something else. It's frustrating to both myself and my partner, so this video is coming out right on time. Maybe I need to get tested for ADHD? But being an adult, I wouldn't even know where to start.
Two yrs ago I quit working full time to be a caregiver for my 93 yr old father. This stress has caused an unbelievable amount of memory loss. I'm not hearing my friends conversations for what they are truly saying. They ask me if I'm really listening, which I'm trying to. I can't remember people's names after being immediately introduced. It's awful 😢
Imagine what this was doing to families before there was social security and medicare ... and there still is no real elder care in much of the country.
@@justgivemethetruth And Medicare doesn't cover nursing home or caregiver costs, so you're on your own until you're bankrupt, at which point (and only then) you can get on Medicaid. 😕
Switching from working full time to being a family carer 6 years ago had a massive immediate impact on my working memory, so I totally relate. It is still the biggest challenge I face day to day.
This is exactly what I needed today. My working memory is terrible and my job is switching a bit so I need to learn a bunch of new things. Off I go to purchase some rosemary.
I was thinking about that, I'd like to remember what I'm reading much better, I've been on the internet waaay too much the last two years. I've got rosemary in the garden, I'm going to try playing with a cutting of it while I read and see what effect that has. I'm an older, now retired ADHDer and I'd like to read all those books I've piled up and learn those hobbies I set back for "when I have time" over the years. We'll see.
I haven't even gotten ADHD diagnosed but this is my lived experience. I feel seen in this video. It feels amazing to finally understand what might be happening inside my head a bit better. I have been using checklists for almost 20 years!
I’ve been watching Dr. Tracy’s videos for a while now. So many topics resonate with me, as a person working on recovering from cPTSD with ADD and anxiety. She helps me understand myself, explains why I am the way I am and how I can overcome. I can’t express my gratitude enough!
Very ironically, people with genuine ADHD are heavily drawn to the stimulation of the internet, videos, social media... whilst at the same time the Information Overload of the always-online modern day is giving normies ADHD-like symptoms and possibly even 'Digital Dementia'. It's going to take professionals quite some time to get used to this reality and diagnose people accordingly. Me? Through to final stage of Autism evaluation, final assessment due in about 6 months. Several friends with diagnosed ADHD say I need to get that checked out. I find many parallels with them, and Jessica McCabe of the How to ADHD channel, and also better ways of thinking combined with practical solutions to deal with associated problems on her channel. PTSD, possibly cPTSD. A lot has happened. On bad days, I feel like I don't belong anywhere and never will fit in anywhere. On better days, I realise, well if I don't fit in anywhere, that means I'm free to flit wherever I like and do what I like within reason! If people don't like me, I have a trusted few I check: AITA? If not, they're not worth even remembering, let alone experiencing any negative emotion over whatsoever. My mental health has already dramatically improved thanks to others I'll recommend. Recently came across this channel and feel like I'm getting the final pieces I need to be my best self! General recommendations: Carol Dweck's Growth 'Mindset' book, latest editions. Learning about Cognitive Biases and Logical Fallacies. Writer Mark Manson is great but often too harsh for the very sensitive. His video on the Attention Diet is very relevant for this video though. Else for Anxiety / Panic or feeling inferior, Mark Tyrrell of Uncommon Knowledge UK has some great vids regarding those.
This is very relatable, as an ADHD adult. As I watched the video, 2 other things came to mind. One of them is to use a silly learning/remembering trick if you can come up with one. Also, I find that writing out reminders in question form helps. I'm inclined to think that's because the question prompts me to think about it.
I use the silly remembering things (called mnenomic devices) to give otherwise fairly random things better context, to more easily prompt me to remember.
I have ADHD and this is all so true! 1. We can forget even VERY important things if they are not on our minds when they need to be, like birthdays, a loved one having surgery, and appointments. It doesn't mean we don't love you, and we feel like crap/an idiot when it happens. 2. I have sticky notes everywhere, reminding me of this and that. I've tried using my phone, but now I understand I have to have that tactile sensation of writing to help me remember. Technology works for some people with ADHD, but not me...it's too "out there" for lack of a better word I can't remember right now... 3. To do lists are emensely helpful! I've learned that writing too much stuff to do can be overwhelming and shut me down, however. Better to write 2 or 3 things down and feel good when you accomplish them. 4. Many times I leave objects out or even lights on to remind me to do something. For example, I leave the utility room light on to remind me I have the dryer running and I'll need to fold the clothes later when it stops. Or leave mail out to remind me to pay a bill. On my phone, I'll leave my email open to remind me I have to write someone back... God forbid I close it, because I will forget! Out of sight, out of mind is my mantra, lol! This leads to many organizational challenges! 5. Edit: I thought of something else... I have to buy a purse that has at least two pockets in the front, one for my phone, and one for my keys, and that is where they always go back to, or I will forget them! Ok, that's all I can remember for now... and I'm late for my dentist appointment... Edit: Hey, I made it by 5 minutes after... not too bad!
love everything you touched on here!! can’t tell you how validating it is to know that others unknowingly forget significant dates/events of those that are important to us & deal with the guilt that ensues. I’ve struggled with feeling like it’s a lack of care.. like I would remember it if I thought about it more, this reinforcing it my memory. think that’s something I’ll work through!
@@littlovepocket Thank you! Yes, forgetting important dates is a horrible feeling, and I'm sure it makes our loved ones wonder if we really care. =( Part of my problem is just bad organization. I have some birthdays written down here, and some anniversaries written down there... I write down appointments in my calendar in my purse, but if I don't transfer them to the big calendar I look at most days, they are forgotten. I have this paper (somewhere!) that has all the months on it, and each month has several blank lines beneath it to write down important yearly occasions like birthdays for that month. It would be merely a glance at it to know any special occasions coming up for the month, but I just haven't written them down! If I could only get myself organized enough to find the dates and the paper and get them together! Once I do that, I could get in the habit of checking it often, as it's something I can leave displayed out on my desktop... er, after I get that cleared off... =/
Yeah, I have the same problem, and it's frustrating. I will conscientiously and diligently remember an important date that's coming up... right up until the actual date, and THEN I'll forget it at the last moment! Like running the ball all the way down the field and dropping it on the one yard line! Arrrgh! 😠
@@Milesco Oh, I hear that! For over a week, I'll keep telling myself my sister's birthday is next tuesday...this tuesday....in 3 days....thursday......then, someone will say it's Friday. I'll think it's Weds or Thursday! Then, I remember my sister's birthday WAS yesterday! It's terrible. But, I can't help it. 😬
I was struggling a lot with "being lazy" or "disorganized", tried to fight with it on better days, but then i just forget... It is/was source of shame and angry toward myself and i feel "defected".... Later i circled around ADHD and other problems in connection with other symptoms, better i even read about forgetfullness but i connected it mostly with social interactions or birthdays etc., just now i listening to you i finally looked at that angle... maybe beacuse some years ago i stopped trying to fight and even strated to fully (ab)use of labels wich i was given by people. PDD officaly diagnosed some years ago (but i suppose it is inborn condition) surely "helped" to keep this viscous cycle.
I've had low working memory my whole life. This is me 100%. (except I'm congenitaly anosmic.) But I've never had someone that could explain it so clearly. Thank you!
Obviously, I can't speak for all people, only for myself. The more I use my mind, the less forgetful I am. I'm always asking myself questions inside my mind, always thinking, finding new things to learn. Keeping it fresh, changing things up. Even rearranging my home furniture regularly, keeps me thinking, keeps life fresh.
My memory is horrible when I’m under stress. Recently, I got a job at a restaurant and on my first day I kept forgetting literally anything. But everything in this video applies to me.
I can relate to this video so much. I have told ppl that I have poor working memory for years but never looked into it. In my early 20’s, I tried to be a waitress at a restaurant that required us to take orders w/o writing them down and had to quit by day 3. I suspect that I have ADHD (inattentive). I’ve been using so many strategies that are suggested for ppl with these issues and never knew it.
I have a lot of difficulty with knowing if the memory i have is an actual memory, a dream, or something i was thinking about doing or thought about happening. This happens especially with repeated daily tasks like brushing teeth, eating, and drinking water. I used to have a lot of difficulty with taking medication properly and was always scared about over medicating without meaning to. I would have my specific time for taking them, but if i got distracted or even if i didnt get distracted, i would forget if i actually did take them when i was supposed to and be worried if i should take them again or not because i had to take it every day.
A month ago I ended up with painful tendonitis, which limited my mobility, sleep, activities and socialization with others. In an effort to remain positive, focused and motivated I turned to UA-cam and discovered your videos. They are so interesting, informative and helpful in addition to being entertaining and have given me a lot of food for thought! Thank you so much, Dr. Marks!
My Achilles heel with working from home is being surrounded by environmental cues that wipe my brain like an Etchasketch. I can make all the to do lists in the world, but I'm constantly getting reminded of other things that need doing. I find that I can't focus on anything else until they're no longer sending signals, but that can take all day. The other day I came out of the bathroom and couldn't remember if I had peed or just brushed my teeth. I'm only 30 and am concerned by how fried my working memory has gotten in the last year alone.
That’s why I immediately know that visualizing things I need to remember wouldn’t be good for me. It’d totally be my type to forget that it’s not a real memory and think I’ve already done it.
@@paul1993willy bingo! Same with multi tasking. If I read an email while eating a sandwich, I imagine I replied but my hands are busy, so I go on to read the next one and never reply to the first. I feel less crazy seeing you have the same experience.
I couldn’t work from home… it was torture. Then I moved in with my boyfriend and thought it would be better at his quiet house but the dogs made me crazy. I scrapped my own business, I’m happier recognizing my limits.
Useful tips to use our 5 senses! Gonna practice them to improve my adhd working memory. I always look forward to your weekly amazing videos - Thanks heaps, Dr Marks
I can’t recall yesterday, last week or even most of last year…🤦🏼♀️ I can recall my grammar school teacher’s names and most every thing else before the last 40 or so years. Things done repetitively have stayed with me, like driving a vehicle, sewing clothes, feeding my house pumas…💁🏼♀️
I'm almost 54, diagnosed with ADHD Inattentive type at 48. I've always had a terrible memory, but the last couple years of stress has really done a number on me. I think it would help us to work on the inputting part of memory making... like really taking information in with all of our senses, like she said. Get out and be around people again, take walks in nature. We're all too stressed out over things we have no control over.
Dealing with perimenopause at age 35 has given tons of brainfog that make me feel like I have mild alzheimer's so this video lets me know that I can still thrive and not feel like a complete idiot for however long I have to deal with this condition. Thank you so much Tracey Marks! This video was very helpful ^_^
Another great video, Dr. Marks. Personally I've found great relief from this problem by keeping things in the same place every time, developing routines, and using to-do lists. I also label drawers and boxes. It takes some practice to get in the habit of doing these things but it's achievable. I think it's also important to stay flexible with your routine (open to changes and surprises) and especially to be patient with yourself. In the past I would have a strong influx of negative thinking about myself when I would make mistakes or lose things. That only compounds the problem. So having healthy routines, keeping things in the same place, and staying patient with yourself have been the right combination for me. Thank you again for the great advice.
I have found the same. I still get pretty thrown off if my routine has to change though... that's when I make mistakes. I'm not a big fan of plastic either, so I try to use seagrass or wicker baskets (and use labels like you said) where I can.
@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane Yes, that's one downside to having a dependable routine. I liken it to walking through the house at night during a power outage. It's fine if everything is where it belongs but you can stumble if one thing is out of place. For that reason I will slow things down a bit until I can adjust. For example, I got my 2 dogs fixed a couple weeks ago and they had to wear those cones for a couple weeks. That really threw us off our daily routine. It was difficult but I had to stay patient with them and myself. We made adjustments while minimizing how much we did every day since I had to figure out our new routine. Now they have their cones off and we're trying to get back to the old routine which is also taking time but those small adjustments are healthy for the brain plasticity, I think. At least that's my bright-side view of it. Good luck and thanks for sharing.
I find that i naturally associate my thoughts with what is going on around me subconsciously, such that i have adapted to retracing my steps on a walk or rewinding a video a few seconds to see if what i was hearing or seeing at the time can remind me of the thought i was thinking in that moment.
I just am so appreciative to the people like Dr Tracy who study these things , I’m constantly feeling like a moron for forgetting or asking someone the same thing several times , or feeling anxiety when someone says “remember when I told you xyz” but knowing there’s a reason for it makes me feel better and gives me hope .
I was recently diagnosed ADHD, and helpful things for me have been using to-do lists on my phone with daily alarms that go off 3x a day reminding me to look at my list and/or add stuff to it. Combined with putting literally every event in the calendar, this has helped me to have some semblance of productivity. Another big help was just realizing and coming to grips with how frail and fickle my memory was. I have to use notes as a prosthesis for my memory in the same way an amputee relies on a prosthetic limb. Medication is starting to help with the motivation and reluctance to start the stuff on my list in addition to getting my wife educated and trying to create a lot of structure and routine in my life.
@@DrTraceyMarks it is something that is in perpetual work. Luckily I found a career that is logic based (code writing) and I am able to thrive. Love your videos! Keep it up!
My biggest issue, socially, is having to remind people that I care. The second biggest is staying on track toward my goals when every distraction can derail me over and over until I'm on paths I don't value at all. As an adult with adhd I've learned that I can't rely on my memory at all. And it's worse now because of covid! I'd be lost if I didn't have my phone with all the assistive tech in it.
I just want to say that multitasking whether at work or at home makes it even worst. I’m the queen of daily journal and list on pads of paper. 😁 I’m called the queen of sticky notes but I need it to remind me. And yes I’m still old school and write things down in my work journal it helps me remember.
Great video... This affects me all day everyday. I try to make lists all the time Things to do Things to get Monthly bills to pay At workI type what customers twll me and I make a joke that I talk to myself because i seriously do. I've gotten better about putting keys, purse, phone, glasses ALWAYS un the same spot. Same with my credit cards and cash
This was a really insightful video. One of your tips were to visualize a task to bring it to life more. What about people with aphantasia, the inability to visualize at all. I also was born without the sense of smell, so I am looking for creative ways to increase my working memory. Thank you for your videos and your time!
That was a great video. As a student I used to have a hard time to focus at school or at home when I was doing my homework. I was a great student though by putting so much effort. I was studying till 1 am.. and I was only 12. Things got better as I grew older but still facing attention issues.
@elektra_7 this is literally me too! I used to study a lot and scored good grades all throughout my academic years. Like you mentioned, I wouldn't be able to pay attention in class as well especially if the subject is boring. All subjects were boring to me except maths. Now as life is getting more and more difficult as I'm getting older, my inattentiveness and poor working memory is making me incompetent. I will be seeing a psychiatrist soon. Let's see how it goes.
This is so me, and wow I’ve already been doing some of these helpful tips before seeing them here. This video has helped me learn more about myself and what additional tips to implement. Thank you !
This is my experience from head injuries. One thing I do is when I go to a store I always park in a certain part of the parking lot. Especially if it’s a big store. I’ve lost my car so many times you wouldn’t even believe it. So this really helps.
I read somewhere a researcher discovered that going through doors has a mental map effect on memory, leading to forgetting. Keep this in mind, unless you go through a door and forget it.
Overall my memory is great! But I noticed when I have had a lot of stress previously and overly anxious I tend to forget things, not focus on a show and have blurred thoughts.. if that makes sense.:: how I can I help this & I struggle with anxiety
Take a look at my anxiety playlist. I have some videos that give strategies to help depression ua-cam.com/play/PLazcP3-djRZ1WUZSR_MZeNMdrYMVde2_D.html Oh and how can I forget, my anxiety book has a ton of suggestions www.amazon.com/Why-Am-Anxious-Recognizing-Restoring/dp/0744057043/
@@DrTraceyMarks thank you so much for your reply! I really appreciate it and the fact that you take us serious and respond with such great feedback!💕 I will check it out!
I don't forget what the other person was saying, as much as I can't remember what I was going to say!! I get diverted on the way there and forget my main point :(
Oh my goodness, this sounds like me on every level! It was milder when I was growing up, but as I got older and started dealing with the stress of emotional abuse in my marriage, hormonal imbalances, a mild traumatic brain injury from an auto accident, then the death of my husband and finding out I'd be living on significantly less money to where I'd have to give up most of the things that had always been important to me, it became much worse. I knew I needed (and am getting) therapy for the stress/abuse issues. Looks like I'll want to look into help for possible ADD as well. (I'm definitely not hyperactive!)
I found my working memory got really bad in my late teens/early 20s. It has gotten better over the years as basic adult tasks become more second nature, and I can use my brain power for things that aren'tjust necessary for survival. I attribute the spotty memory of that time to being very stressed about entering young adulthood, and having more on my plate than ever before (and probably drinking too much 😅)
my father at his age of 56 always misplace the things like his key and cellphone, one example is he asking me where his phone and then i notice he was holding his cellphone he asking where is his phone while he already holding the phone.
this is a huge problem for me! my boyfriend and his brother have AMAZING memories and they'll make references to tv shows, movies, etc. in 99% of our conversations and i never understand what they're talking about even when i've seen the shows and movies they're referencing. having to ask for clarification over and over again makes me feel so incompetent :// i've expressed this to my boyfriend because i don't want him to think that i don't care about his interests, because i do! it's just that i can barely remember what i did five minutes ago, let alone a movie i watched late at night three months ago. luckily, he's very understanding and doesn't mind having to clarify things for me.
This is very interesting as are all of your videos. Your last point to create routines... I feel like this has been the problem the last couple of years. It seems like our normal routines aren't available anymore. Like when I show up to work I'm not sure if I'll be the only one there or what the day is going to look like. Even driving to work which should be routine hasn't been because of road closures. So many small little things that used to be part of our normal routine life is no longer routine. I definitely have noticed a reduction in my working memory since the pandemic
I’ve been professionally screened for NDs, my working memory is in the borderline. This video is my life lol. I have about 50 alarms on my phone for random reminders 😂 I remember visual and audio better. I tend to repeat something in my mind, then write it down. Then say it to myself then set an alarm. I forget everything it’s a nightmare.
My working memory is worse when I’m fatigued or stressed. I can forget I’ve called someone on the phone as the phone is ringing in my hand. And it’s gotten worse since catching COVID (twice).
Beautiful and truly remarkable person. A smart and inteligent lady with a huge sense of respect and confidence. Thanks for it (first video). I have subscribed straight away. On the other hand, I did have had ADHD in my childhood and now at 37 I recognise that I have a very narrow or limited working memory, but a huge capacity to the permanent memory. When something gets important I cannot forget it for life, but small tasks or what I did yesterday or half an hour ago, I always forget.
Thanks for your Best information about Forgetting problem is not disease but it's a common problem we always Forgetting our spectacal, pen, watch ,Books etc it does not mean that we facing Problem of any disease because due to over thinking our mind delete our much part of thinking it does not mean that we are facing any mental disease. HONORABLE MADAMJI NO WORDS TO APPRECIATE YOU AND YOUR TALENT THANKS ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR BEST INFORMATION ABOUT FORGETTING IS NOT ANU DISEASE AS MENTIONED IN YOUR BEST SPEECH WITH LOTS OF BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WITH WARM AND GREAT REGARDS TODAY I HAVE SEEN YOUR MOST BEAUTIFUL VDO AND I HAVE SUBSCRIBED THE SAME AND SHARED WITH MY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. MAY LORD ALWAYS BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WITH WARM AND GREAT REGARDS ALL THE BEST
Dr Marks I have been following you on UA-cam for so long now I can’t remember how long it’s been 😂 thank you again for another great video. Your videos have been so helpful for me over the years so thanks again!!
Are there medical reasons for this too? I have been having a hard time coming up with words in the middle of sentences. I find myself pausing for what feels like forever, looking for words in my brain, and sometimes I can't extract them at all. Then (sometimes days later) I remember the word, and I can't believe how common and simple the word was. It worries me so much! Could I be getting some form of dementia? I'm 46 now. It's terrifying! I do suffer from lots of anxiety and depression and I get lost in my thoughts a lot. Hopefully it has to do with that and not something worse 😩
I have the same, and it gets worse the more stress I have and the older I've gotten, especially with menopause and all the covid stress (I work in healthcare). I was diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD at age 48 and I'm almost 54 now. I get lost in my thoughts, too, and my brain NEVER STOPS. The looking for words thing... I was doing that a lot when I had a particularly high amount of stress from overtime at work and inability to take time off due to the worker shortage. Maybe the anxiety and depression you're having has something to do with it. It's hard to keep our minds focused with all that extra stuff going on. But then, like you said, when your mind has relaxed, sometimes days later, you'll think of the word. Taking walks in nature helps me, and I've been meaning to try guided meditation, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I've tried meditation, but with a mind that never stops, it's very difficult.
I am thoroughly grateful for your videos, so I hope these requests don't make it seem like I'm not! You just have a wonderful way of delivering information and I appreciate hearing your take on various topics. Would you make videos discussing why it can be difficult to get your thoughts in order and take a while to express yourself during conversations? Also, why you can't force yourself to get things done (like homework), no matter how much you force yourself, and what can actually help push you to get things done?
My youngest daughter is 12 and she has a slow processing speed and issues with her working memory. She has done so much better since we homeschooled but it can still be hard and I constantly worry about her.
I grew up like your daughter with slow processing speed and memory issues (was diagnosed with ADHD since childhood and unmedicated). I learned to do what others did in a way that works for me. Made it through university and got accepted into grad school. People around me even call me smart, although I really don't feel that way most of the time! It's a constant fight to feel present with the rest of the world and i dont think thats ever fully going away for me but hopefully she will one day develop the skills to set herself up in a good spot. Best of luck.
I can't believe what doc says about using senses makes me realize that I've been using it in my entire life. I can't keep up in school using my memory without visualizing or hearing my teachers voice or my classmates saying it to me. But in terms of problem solving my memory is very low at all. I can comprehend but it seems like my brain just eject it later. I mean we all probably experienced this HAHAHAH
I used to have a great memory, but I've also had immense anxiety for years. Since I had a breakdown and started taking meds 2 years ago, my memory has gotten worse and now it's really hard for me to function. I act like a different person: I'm constantly late, forget about deadlines, lose stuff all the time etc. Watching a 7 minute video was too much for me due to the poor concentration and forgetfulness. I've been diagnosed with GAD and depression, and I take duloxetine and bupropion. Bupropion actually changed my life, I'm no loger apathetic and numb, but it didn't affect my executive functions. My doctor says that my memory should be getting better on stimulants and blaims it on anxiety but... I don't have any symptoms and I feel overall relaxed. I have some residual symptoms of depression, but I feel confident about managing them. I started to suspect that I may have ADHD, but I used to be very well organized and I was a perfect student. I heard about the inattentive type and I see a lot of similiarities to my situation, but it doesn't make sense why those symptoms would be hidden for such a long time (I'm 22F)!
I have never had a good memory. Even as a child. Now it’s getting worse as I age. I am now a team leader of five staff and it’s so difficult at work. Always trying to hide my real self. They would not understand, may even hold it against me. I am in a dark place and my memory makes matters worse.
I have major executive function issues. So I hope I remember go come back and watch this and take notes. But I have to go fix my car skylight before I forget for another 5 months. I always forget to fix the leak.
Doctor my memory is horrible. I have a pseudo tumor amoung other things and I figured the spinal fluid was accumulating in my skull causing the loss. This explains so much. No one believes me either
i am so reliant on forming routines that i don't even realize i do it until i'm disrupted. I just moved a couple days ago and left some very important things behind because nothing was where i was used to it being and there didn't seem to be any "correct" order to do things. when i get like that i can look straight at things and not even see them, no matter how many times i look. i would assume this sort of selective inability to see is a working memory problem as well? like there's too much visual data so some of it just gets rejected and never even makes it to the clipboard. or would that fall under something else?
Hello Dr Tracy! I saw you this morning on "Good Morning Washington". Wow! Thanks for your good advice on managing anxiety.🌺 I'm diagnosed with Complex Partial seizures with memory loss from auto accidents. John's Hopkins did research on me. The Mystery...I don't know what a seizure feels like. It's on both sides of my Brain...It takes my short term memory away. I've been journaling awhile.
Thank you for this, the timing of this video is amazing as I have terrible working memory and have been given some tools to cope with it. This video has added to my tool box and the tips given are better than what my counsellor has suggested.
When i visualise something like the call example, my brain consider that i've dine it already. Sometime i respond to a text in my mind and forget to actually send the reply and when i get back to it my brain is convinced that i replied! I wanted to do something in my phone now and i totally forgot what is it, instead i saw your notification and watched your video 😄 Thank you
I'm afraid someday I will forget all my passwords, not sure if they're in my working memory or my long term memory, or who knows where. Thanks for the explanation! I'll make sure to remember watching recommended videos...
Despite what many think, writing passwords down on a piece of paper isn't a terrible idea sometimes. The key is to not make it easy for any wrongdoers and so, not leave it obvious which account they are for. Or if you must, leave them written in a very secure strongbox / safe. Else, if someone has successfully managed to get access to your devices whilst you aren't home, it doesn't really matter if you've bits of paper with passwords on or not. Once someone physically has your computer, if they have skills, they can break in regardless. Therefore in the event of a burglary, immediately secure your financial and personal identity details, social medias etc by contacting those relevant, and primary email account, too.
Using the other senses to help working memory reminds me how whenever I take my meds, I'll say "I am taking my meds on [weekday]" so I remember that I just took them. It's such a quick thing that my memory will just immediately dump it after I do it, so I'll forget if I took them or not. But if I say it out loud, I'll remember hearing myself say it. This probably works for other things too, and I suspect one of the reasons ADHD and autistic kids will often talk to themselves and self-narrate. (Speaking as someone who also has ADHD and on the spectrum.)
Just recently went to speak to my doctor about this and we're checking for all kind of stuff that could be the cause, in the meantime I'll try using your tips, thanks doctor Tracey!
@@DrTraceyMarks I hope so, thanks! It's a bit exhausting to live that way so I finally went to do something about it. Could you let us know if you'll have more videos on improving working memory or if there are more resources on what to do do to improve it?
Very informative! Can you talk about different techniques we can use to reinforce information for more long-term use/application? I’ve always been really insecure about my memory (though I realize the insecurity isn’t serving me!), and I try to make up for that by learning about different subjects and refreshing my knowledge, but I seem to struggle on a day to day basis when it comes to drawing associations that can reinforce ideas. Just often feels like memory inhibits my capacity. Would love your input
Dear Dr. Marks, I love your outfit and hairstyle 😍🥰 ... This is interesting and timely at same time. There are studys that prove Ceylon cinnamon as well as rosemary herb are excellent for restoring memory.
I used to be so sharp, with endless brain capacity. I remembered everything for everyone. But lately it seems like I only remember the least important things. I can have a great session with my therapist but by the time I get to the notepad in my car I have no idea what we even talked about, or what she told me to work on!
Bring the notepad to the session, I assure you a good therapist wont mind if you tell them "I've been experiencing some memory issues lately, so I'd like to take notes during the session." Just be careful, focus on active listening and truly only write down important things and try not to fall into the trap of writing everything or else the quality of the session will diminish.
Same. 😔 For me the cause seems to be having me/cfs. Working on healing. Praying for you as well!
This is me exactly.
I record on my phone my sessions so I don’t have to remember it helps
I am suffering from no working memory. 😂 Sometimes I don't know why I am in the kitchen or in the backyard. I have to go back to the home office room and suddenly I remember why I left the room.
I've done that too when I've got too much on my mind. Very frustrating!
Same!
i do that once a day at least.
That happens to me too often!. I get so mad!. I go to one part of the room to remember something and then I go to the new room and I completely don't remember why I'm there.!. 😂
What you said resonates with me.
It's so frustrating. Oftentimes I find retracing my steps to where I came from will jog my memory. As in, what was I thinking about over there before I came walking over here with intent.
Doing this usually works 😁
1. Use your senses 3:14
2. Visualizing 3:45
3. Smell and taste 4:08
4. Sense of touch 4:58
5. Cognitive offloading 5:19
6. Routines and structures 5:45
This is exactly what I've been going through, and couldn't explain to anyone. I could be doing something and stop to walk into another room and forget what I was doing and start doing something else. It's frustrating to both myself and my partner, so this video is coming out right on time.
Maybe I need to get tested for ADHD? But being an adult, I wouldn't even know where to start.
A good place to start would be to talk to your primary care physician about it. You can also talk to a therapist who can assess you for ADHD.
My life got so bad I ended up in counseling... I was shocked to find out at age 48 that I had Inattentive ADHD.
Me too! I'm constantly telling people "of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most!"
Check your genes and see a functional medicine doctor. You might have a mutation that you cannot process B-vitamins.
If genes are not the issue, then could need supplements or diet changes.
Two yrs ago I quit working full time to be a caregiver for my 93 yr old father. This stress has caused an unbelievable amount of memory loss. I'm not hearing my friends conversations for what they are truly saying. They ask me if I'm really listening, which I'm trying to. I can't remember people's names after being immediately introduced. It's awful 😢
Imagine what this was doing to families before there was social security and medicare ... and there still is no real elder care in much of the country.
@@justgivemethetruth And Medicare doesn't cover nursing home or caregiver costs, so you're on your own until you're bankrupt, at which point (and only then) you can get on Medicaid. 😕
I take care of my 90 year old mother so I can relate - take time to pray or meditate
Switching from working full time to being a family carer 6 years ago had a massive immediate impact on my working memory, so I totally relate. It is still the biggest challenge I face day to day.
Yes! When my dad had a massive stroke, overnight I became a full-time caregiver. I became a totally different person. 😢😢😢
This is exactly what I needed today. My working memory is terrible and my job is switching a bit so I need to learn a bunch of new things. Off I go to purchase some rosemary.
Best of luck! Will you let us know how it works for you after giving it some time? :)
@@littlovepocket I’ll try. If I forget to tell you, you’ll have your answer😀
I was thinking about that, I'd like to remember what I'm reading much better, I've been on the internet waaay too much the last two years. I've got rosemary in the garden, I'm going to try playing with a cutting of it while I read and see what effect that has. I'm an older, now retired ADHDer and I'd like to read all those books I've piled up and learn those hobbies I set back for "when I have time" over the years. We'll see.
@Jacqueline Kjono haha. touché!
I haven't even gotten ADHD diagnosed but this is my lived experience. I feel seen in this video. It feels amazing to finally understand what might be happening inside my head a bit better. I have been using checklists for almost 20 years!
Same! Not ADHD diagnosed either but claiming it anyway cuz every ADD video out there resonates with me so much.
@@MusicMAAD same
Same
I’ve been watching Dr. Tracy’s videos for a while now. So many topics resonate with me, as a person working on recovering from cPTSD with ADD and anxiety. She helps me understand myself, explains why I am the way I am and how I can overcome. I can’t express my gratitude enough!
Very ironically, people with genuine ADHD are heavily drawn to the stimulation of the internet, videos, social media... whilst at the same time the Information Overload of the always-online modern day is giving normies ADHD-like symptoms and possibly even 'Digital Dementia'.
It's going to take professionals quite some time to get used to this reality and diagnose people accordingly.
Me? Through to final stage of Autism evaluation, final assessment due in about 6 months. Several friends with diagnosed ADHD say I need to get that checked out. I find many parallels with them, and Jessica McCabe of the How to ADHD channel, and also better ways of thinking combined with practical solutions to deal with associated problems on her channel.
PTSD, possibly cPTSD. A lot has happened. On bad days, I feel like I don't belong anywhere and never will fit in anywhere. On better days, I realise, well if I don't fit in anywhere, that means I'm free to flit wherever I like and do what I like within reason!
If people don't like me, I have a trusted few I check: AITA? If not, they're not worth even remembering, let alone experiencing any negative emotion over whatsoever.
My mental health has already dramatically improved thanks to others I'll recommend. Recently came across this channel and feel like I'm getting the final pieces I need to be my best self!
General recommendations: Carol Dweck's Growth 'Mindset' book, latest editions. Learning about Cognitive Biases and Logical Fallacies. Writer Mark Manson is great but often too harsh for the very sensitive. His video on the Attention Diet is very relevant for this video though. Else for Anxiety / Panic or feeling inferior, Mark Tyrrell of Uncommon Knowledge UK has some great vids regarding those.
Well said. My sentiments as well
me too
Yeppers 💕
This is very relatable, as an ADHD adult. As I watched the video, 2 other things came to mind. One of them is to use a silly learning/remembering trick if you can come up with one. Also, I find that writing out reminders in question form helps. I'm inclined to think that's because the question prompts me to think about it.
I use the silly remembering things (called mnenomic devices) to give otherwise fairly random things better context, to more easily prompt me to remember.
Just as you said “you may have even forgot what I was just saying”, you pulled my attention back to you
I have ADHD and this is all so true!
1. We can forget even VERY important things if they are not on our minds when they need to be, like birthdays, a loved one having surgery, and appointments. It doesn't mean we don't love you, and we feel like crap/an idiot when it happens.
2. I have sticky notes everywhere, reminding me of this and that. I've tried using my phone, but now I understand I have to have that tactile sensation of writing to help me remember. Technology works for some people with ADHD, but not me...it's too "out there" for lack of a better word I can't remember right now...
3. To do lists are emensely helpful! I've learned that writing too much stuff to do can be overwhelming and shut me down, however. Better to write 2 or 3 things down and feel good when you accomplish them.
4. Many times I leave objects out or even lights on to remind me to do something. For example, I leave the utility room light on to remind me I have the dryer running and I'll need to fold the clothes later when it stops. Or leave mail out to remind me to pay a bill. On my phone, I'll leave my email open to remind me I have to write someone back... God forbid I close it, because I will forget! Out of sight, out of mind is my mantra, lol! This leads to many organizational challenges!
5. Edit: I thought of something else... I have to buy a purse that has at least two pockets in the front, one for my phone, and one for my keys, and that is where they always go back to, or I will forget them!
Ok, that's all I can remember for now... and I'm late for my dentist appointment...
Edit: Hey, I made it by 5 minutes after... not too bad!
love everything you touched on here!! can’t tell you how validating it is to know that others unknowingly forget significant dates/events of those that are important to us & deal with the guilt that ensues. I’ve struggled with feeling like it’s a lack of care.. like I would remember it if I thought about it more, this reinforcing it my memory. think that’s something I’ll work through!
@@littlovepocket Thank you! Yes, forgetting important dates is a horrible feeling, and I'm sure it makes our loved ones wonder if we really care. =( Part of my problem is just bad organization. I have some birthdays written down here, and some anniversaries written down there... I write down appointments in my calendar in my purse, but if I don't transfer them to the big calendar I look at most days, they are forgotten. I have this paper (somewhere!) that has all the months on it, and each month has several blank lines beneath it to write down important yearly occasions like birthdays for that month. It would be merely a glance at it to know any special occasions coming up for the month, but I just haven't written them down! If I could only get myself organized enough to find the dates and the paper and get them together! Once I do that, I could get in the habit of checking it often, as it's something I can leave displayed out on my desktop...
er, after I get that cleared off... =/
Yeah, I have the same problem, and it's frustrating. I will conscientiously and diligently remember an important date that's coming up... right up until the actual date, and THEN I'll forget it at the last moment! Like running the ball all the way down the field and dropping it on the one yard line! Arrrgh! 😠
@@Milesco Oh, I hear that! For over a week, I'll keep telling myself my sister's birthday is next tuesday...this tuesday....in 3 days....thursday......then, someone will say it's Friday. I'll think it's Weds or Thursday! Then, I remember my sister's birthday WAS yesterday! It's terrible. But, I can't help it. 😬
@@LDiamondz *Yes, exactly!*
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only person this happens to!
I was struggling a lot with "being lazy" or "disorganized", tried to fight with it on better days, but then i just forget...
It is/was source of shame and angry toward myself and i feel "defected"....
Later i circled around ADHD and other problems in connection with other symptoms, better i even read about forgetfullness but i connected it mostly with social interactions or birthdays etc.,
just now i listening to you i finally looked at that angle... maybe beacuse some years ago i stopped trying to fight and even strated to fully (ab)use of labels wich i was given by people.
PDD officaly diagnosed some years ago (but i suppose it is inborn condition) surely "helped" to keep this viscous cycle.
I've had low working memory my whole life. This is me 100%. (except I'm congenitaly anosmic.) But I've never had someone that could explain it so clearly. Thank you!
Obviously, I can't speak for all people, only for myself. The more I use my mind, the less forgetful I am. I'm always asking myself questions inside my mind, always thinking, finding new things to learn. Keeping it fresh, changing things up. Even rearranging my home furniture regularly, keeps me thinking, keeps life fresh.
My memory is horrible when I’m under stress. Recently, I got a job at a restaurant and on my first day I kept forgetting literally anything. But everything in this video applies to me.
I can relate to this video so much. I have told ppl that I have poor working memory for years but never looked into it. In my early 20’s, I tried to be a waitress at a restaurant that required us to take orders w/o writing them down and had to quit by day 3. I suspect that I have ADHD (inattentive). I’ve been using so many strategies that are suggested for ppl with these issues and never knew it.
I like to write everything down.... but I often forget to write it down...on to the next task. Long term memory is great though...
I have a lot of difficulty with knowing if the memory i have is an actual memory, a dream, or something i was thinking about doing or thought about happening. This happens especially with repeated daily tasks like brushing teeth, eating, and drinking water.
I used to have a lot of difficulty with taking medication properly and was always scared about over medicating without meaning to. I would have my specific time for taking them, but if i got distracted or even if i didnt get distracted, i would forget if i actually did take them when i was supposed to and be worried if i should take them again or not because i had to take it every day.
A month ago I ended up with painful tendonitis, which limited my mobility, sleep, activities and socialization with others. In an effort to remain positive, focused and motivated I turned to UA-cam and discovered your videos. They are so interesting, informative and helpful in addition to being entertaining and have given me a lot of food for thought! Thank you so much, Dr. Marks!
My Achilles heel with working from home is being surrounded by environmental cues that wipe my brain like an Etchasketch. I can make all the to do lists in the world, but I'm constantly getting reminded of other things that need doing. I find that I can't focus on anything else until they're no longer sending signals, but that can take all day. The other day I came out of the bathroom and couldn't remember if I had peed or just brushed my teeth. I'm only 30 and am concerned by how fried my working memory has gotten in the last year alone.
That’s why I immediately know that visualizing things I need to remember wouldn’t be good for me. It’d totally be my type to forget that it’s not a real memory and think I’ve already done it.
@@paul1993willy bingo! Same with multi tasking. If I read an email while eating a sandwich, I imagine I replied but my hands are busy, so I go on to read the next one and never reply to the first. I feel less crazy seeing you have the same experience.
I couldn’t work from home… it was torture. Then I moved in with my boyfriend and thought it would be better at his quiet house but the dogs made me crazy. I scrapped my own business, I’m happier recognizing my limits.
Useful tips to use our 5 senses! Gonna practice them to improve my adhd working memory. I always look forward to your weekly amazing videos - Thanks heaps, Dr Marks
Awesome Helene! So glad to have you here 😊
I can’t recall yesterday, last week or even most of last year…🤦🏼♀️
I can recall my grammar school teacher’s names and most every thing else before the last 40 or so years.
Things done repetitively have stayed with me, like driving a vehicle, sewing clothes, feeding my house pumas…💁🏼♀️
I have inattentive ADD in the last few years I can't remember most things, including pleasant things. Im 59, and worry about early onset dementia
Everyone does or should worry about that.
I am 52 and I have ADD depression anxiety and PTSD. I can’t remember anything. I really can’t take it anymore.
I'm almost 54, diagnosed with ADHD Inattentive type at 48. I've always had a terrible memory, but the last couple years of stress has really done a number on me. I think it would help us to work on the inputting part of memory making... like really taking information in with all of our senses, like she said. Get out and be around people again, take walks in nature. We're all too stressed out over things we have no control over.
I have ADHD and also I'm an interpreter, since my training days I've been applying the visualization technique and it works very well :D
Dealing with perimenopause at age 35 has given tons of brainfog that make me feel like I have mild alzheimer's so this video lets me know that I can still thrive and not feel like a complete idiot for however long I have to deal with this condition. Thank you so much Tracey Marks! This video was very helpful ^_^
She condenses information wonderfully. Love watching her!
Another great video, Dr. Marks. Personally I've found great relief from this problem by keeping things in the same place every time, developing routines, and using to-do lists. I also label drawers and boxes. It takes some practice to get in the habit of doing these things but it's achievable. I think it's also important to stay flexible with your routine (open to changes and surprises) and especially to be patient with yourself. In the past I would have a strong influx of negative thinking about myself when I would make mistakes or lose things. That only compounds the problem. So having healthy routines, keeping things in the same place, and staying patient with yourself have been the right combination for me. Thank you again for the great advice.
Clear plastic storage boxes!
I have found the same. I still get pretty thrown off if my routine has to change though... that's when I make mistakes. I'm not a big fan of plastic either, so I try to use seagrass or wicker baskets (and use labels like you said) where I can.
@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane Yeah, a change in the routine is a surefire way to forget something. It gets me every time! 😠
@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane Yes, that's one downside to having a dependable routine. I liken it to walking through the house at night during a power outage. It's fine if everything is where it belongs but you can stumble if one thing is out of place. For that reason I will slow things down a bit until I can adjust. For example, I got my 2 dogs fixed a couple weeks ago and they had to wear those cones for a couple weeks. That really threw us off our daily routine. It was difficult but I had to stay patient with them and myself. We made adjustments while minimizing how much we did every day since I had to figure out our new routine. Now they have their cones off and we're trying to get back to the old routine which is also taking time but those small adjustments are healthy for the brain plasticity, I think. At least that's my bright-side view of it. Good luck and thanks for sharing.
@@Milesco Lol, yep, me too!
BTW, love your user name (or whatever they're called...!) 😆
I find that i naturally associate my thoughts with what is going on around me subconsciously, such that i have adapted to retracing my steps on a walk or rewinding a video a few seconds to see if what i was hearing or seeing at the time can remind me of the thought i was thinking in that moment.
Very serious and committed to helping and assist others. Your husband is lucky to have you.
Thank you Hamzah!
I just am so appreciative to the people like Dr Tracy who study these things , I’m constantly feeling like a moron for forgetting or asking someone the same thing several times , or feeling anxiety when someone says “remember when I told you xyz” but knowing there’s a reason for it makes me feel better and gives me hope .
I was recently diagnosed ADHD, and helpful things for me have been using to-do lists on my phone with daily alarms that go off 3x a day reminding me to look at my list and/or add stuff to it. Combined with putting literally every event in the calendar, this has helped me to have some semblance of productivity. Another big help was just realizing and coming to grips with how frail and fickle my memory was. I have to use notes as a prosthesis for my memory in the same way an amputee relies on a prosthetic limb.
Medication is starting to help with the motivation and reluctance to start the stuff on my list in addition to getting my wife educated and trying to create a lot of structure and routine in my life.
I have always said my brain works like it doesn't have enough RAM. When I got DNA testing done, it said I was likely to have low working memory.
You knew! I hope you're able to do some of the exercises to expand it.
@@DrTraceyMarks it is something that is in perpetual work. Luckily I found a career that is logic based (code writing) and I am able to thrive.
Love your videos! Keep it up!
What kind of genetic testing was that?
You can not be any better. Respect your high academic progress from my heart.
My biggest issue, socially, is having to remind people that I care. The second biggest is staying on track toward my goals when every distraction can derail me over and over until I'm on paths I don't value at all. As an adult with adhd I've learned that I can't rely on my memory at all. And it's worse now because of covid! I'd be lost if I didn't have my phone with all the assistive tech in it.
I just want to say that multitasking whether at work or at home makes it even worst. I’m the queen of daily journal and list on pads of paper. 😁 I’m called the queen of sticky notes but I need it to remind me. And yes I’m still old school and write things down in my work journal it helps me remember.
I thought *I* was the queen of sticky notes! 😆 🤣 😂 Glad to know I'm not alone!
Great video... This affects me all day everyday. I try to make lists all the time
Things to do
Things to get
Monthly bills to pay
At workI type what customers twll me and I make a joke that I talk to myself because i seriously do.
I've gotten better about putting keys, purse, phone, glasses ALWAYS un the same spot.
Same with my credit cards and cash
This video came right on time thank you 💫
So glad! 😊
I deal with this from time to time thank you so much for explaining everything I really enjoy your videos have a blessed day.
This was a really insightful video. One of your tips were to visualize a task to bring it to life more.
What about people with aphantasia, the inability to visualize at all. I also was born without the sense of smell, so I am looking for creative ways to increase my working memory.
Thank you for your videos and your time!
That was a great video. As a student I used to have a hard time to focus at school or at home when I was doing my homework. I was a great student though by putting so much effort. I was studying till 1 am.. and I was only 12. Things got better as I grew older but still facing attention issues.
1am? Wow. I’m glad things have gotten better.
@elektra_7 this is literally me too! I used to study a lot and scored good grades all throughout my academic years. Like you mentioned, I wouldn't be able to pay attention in class as well especially if the subject is boring. All subjects were boring to me except maths.
Now as life is getting more and more difficult as I'm getting older, my inattentiveness and poor working memory is making me incompetent. I will be seeing a psychiatrist soon. Let's see how it goes.
@@adityamenon2968keep us updated please about your doctor evaluation.
I just experienced this earlier today, listening to my doctors.
I have always related this to a lack of RAM and it was especially true today.
This is so me, and wow I’ve already been doing some of these helpful tips before seeing them here. This video has helped me learn more about myself and what additional tips to implement. Thank you !
Good morning Dr Tracy, thank you for this insightful video!
Good morning Kagoma. You're welcome! 👍🏽😊
This is my experience from head injuries. One thing I do is when I go to a store I always park in a certain part of the parking lot. Especially if it’s a big store. I’ve lost my car so many times you wouldn’t even believe it. So this really helps.
I read somewhere a researcher discovered that going through doors has a mental map effect on memory, leading to forgetting. Keep this in mind, unless you go through a door and forget it.
❤❤❤ i will forever clap for others until it's my turn 🎉🎉
Overall my memory is great! But I noticed when I have had a lot of stress previously and overly anxious I tend to forget things, not focus on a show and have blurred thoughts.. if that makes sense.:: how I can I help this & I struggle with anxiety
Take a look at my anxiety playlist. I have some videos that give strategies to help depression ua-cam.com/play/PLazcP3-djRZ1WUZSR_MZeNMdrYMVde2_D.html
Oh and how can I forget, my anxiety book has a ton of suggestions www.amazon.com/Why-Am-Anxious-Recognizing-Restoring/dp/0744057043/
@@DrTraceyMarks thank you so much for your reply! I really appreciate it and the fact that you take us serious and respond with such great feedback!💕 I will check it out!
Forgetting is a good thing for life to go on.
I don't forget what the other person was saying, as much as I can't remember what I was going to say!! I get diverted on the way there and forget my main point :(
Oh my goodness, this sounds like me on every level! It was milder when I was growing up, but as I got older and started dealing with the stress of emotional abuse in my marriage, hormonal imbalances, a mild traumatic brain injury from an auto accident, then the death of my husband and finding out I'd be living on significantly less money to where I'd have to give up most of the things that had always been important to me, it became much worse. I knew I needed (and am getting) therapy for the stress/abuse issues. Looks like I'll want to look into help for possible ADD as well. (I'm definitely not hyperactive!)
Dr. Tracey glad to see your bck. Love your hair, simply Beautiful.
I found my working memory got really bad in my late teens/early 20s. It has gotten better over the years as basic adult tasks become more second nature, and I can use my brain power for things that aren'tjust necessary for survival. I attribute the spotty memory of that time to being very stressed about entering young adulthood, and having more on my plate than ever before (and probably drinking too much 😅)
This is the story of my life! It's very frustrating.
my father at his age of 56 always misplace the things like his key and cellphone, one example is he asking me where his phone and then i notice he was holding his cellphone he asking where is his phone while he already holding the phone.
Simply the best explanation & remedies. Wow you are amazing Dr Tracey.
Thanks a million Shivom! 🙏🏽
I messed up yesterday and seeing this and having adhd this makes sense. Wish I was your pacient
this is a huge problem for me! my boyfriend and his brother have AMAZING memories and they'll make references to tv shows, movies, etc. in 99% of our conversations and i never understand what they're talking about even when i've seen the shows and movies they're referencing. having to ask for clarification over and over again makes me feel so incompetent :// i've expressed this to my boyfriend because i don't want him to think that i don't care about his interests, because i do! it's just that i can barely remember what i did five minutes ago, let alone a movie i watched late at night three months ago. luckily, he's very understanding and doesn't mind having to clarify things for me.
This is very interesting as are all of your videos. Your last point to create routines... I feel like this has been the problem the last couple of years. It seems like our normal routines aren't available anymore. Like when I show up to work I'm not sure if I'll be the only one there or what the day is going to look like. Even driving to work which should be routine hasn't been because of road closures. So many small little things that used to be part of our normal routine life is no longer routine. I definitely have noticed a reduction in my working memory since the pandemic
I’ve been professionally screened for NDs, my working memory is in the borderline. This video is my life lol.
I have about 50 alarms on my phone for random reminders 😂
I remember visual and audio better. I tend to repeat something in my mind, then write it down. Then say it to myself then set an alarm. I forget everything it’s a nightmare.
My working memory is worse when I’m fatigued or stressed. I can forget I’ve called someone on the phone as the phone is ringing in my hand. And it’s gotten worse since catching COVID (twice).
Beautiful and truly remarkable person. A smart and inteligent lady with a huge sense of respect and confidence. Thanks for it (first video). I have subscribed straight away.
On the other hand, I did have had ADHD in my childhood and now at 37 I recognise that I have a very narrow or limited working memory, but a huge capacity to the permanent memory.
When something gets important I cannot forget it for life, but small tasks or what I did yesterday or half an hour ago, I always forget.
Dr. Tracey Marks: this video is SOO IMPORTANT for me!
Thanks for your Best information about Forgetting problem is not disease but it's a common problem we always Forgetting our spectacal, pen, watch ,Books etc it does not mean that we facing Problem of any disease because due to over thinking our mind delete our much part of thinking it does not mean that we are facing any mental disease. HONORABLE MADAMJI NO WORDS TO APPRECIATE YOU AND YOUR TALENT THANKS ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR BEST INFORMATION ABOUT FORGETTING IS NOT ANU DISEASE AS MENTIONED IN YOUR BEST SPEECH WITH LOTS OF BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WITH WARM AND GREAT REGARDS
TODAY I HAVE SEEN YOUR MOST BEAUTIFUL VDO AND I HAVE SUBSCRIBED THE SAME AND SHARED WITH MY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. MAY LORD ALWAYS BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WITH WARM AND GREAT REGARDS ALL THE BEST
Wow, this was my personal“cheat sheet” to remembering stuff.
Makes sense that I started to lose it when my senses were off.
This is the best video I have ever watched.
Thanks so much!! I'm glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Dr Marks I have been following you on UA-cam for so long now I can’t remember how long it’s been 😂 thank you again for another great video. Your videos have been so helpful for me over the years so thanks again!!
I’m good at remembering random events from 2003, but I’ll forget the name of the person I just met in a heartbeat.
This is my struggle to retaining information in college. It's so frustrating especially everything revolves your memory and compression for a test.
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Are there medical reasons for this too? I have been having a hard time coming up with words in the middle of sentences. I find myself pausing for what feels like forever, looking for words in my brain, and sometimes I can't extract them at all. Then (sometimes days later) I remember the word, and I can't believe how common and simple the word was. It worries me so much! Could I be getting some form of dementia? I'm 46 now. It's terrifying! I do suffer from lots of anxiety and depression and I get lost in my thoughts a lot. Hopefully it has to do with that and not something worse 😩
I have the same, and it gets worse the more stress I have and the older I've gotten, especially with menopause and all the covid stress (I work in healthcare). I was diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD at age 48 and I'm almost 54 now. I get lost in my thoughts, too, and my brain NEVER STOPS. The looking for words thing... I was doing that a lot when I had a particularly high amount of stress from overtime at work and inability to take time off due to the worker shortage. Maybe the anxiety and depression you're having has something to do with it. It's hard to keep our minds focused with all that extra stuff going on. But then, like you said, when your mind has relaxed, sometimes days later, you'll think of the word. Taking walks in nature helps me, and I've been meaning to try guided meditation, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I've tried meditation, but with a mind that never stops, it's very difficult.
I am thoroughly grateful for your videos, so I hope these requests don't make it seem like I'm not! You just have a wonderful way of delivering information and I appreciate hearing your take on various topics. Would you make videos discussing why it can be difficult to get your thoughts in order and take a while to express yourself during conversations? Also, why you can't force yourself to get things done (like homework), no matter how much you force yourself, and what can actually help push you to get things done?
My youngest daughter is 12 and she has a slow processing speed and issues with her working memory. She has done so much better since we homeschooled but it can still be hard and I constantly worry about her.
I grew up like your daughter with slow processing speed and memory issues (was diagnosed with ADHD since childhood and unmedicated). I learned to do what others did in a way that works for me. Made it through university and got accepted into grad school. People around me even call me smart, although I really don't feel that way most of the time! It's a constant fight to feel present with the rest of the world and i dont think thats ever fully going away for me but hopefully she will one day develop the skills to set herself up in a good spot. Best of luck.
@@hellohello-mi4ek thank you so much for sharing that! I don't know you but I am extremely proud of you. I am going to show my daughter this 💙💙💙
I have dyspraxia and have awful memory, it annoys myself and most people I work with. This video is super helpful, thanks so much for posting it😀
Love the computer analogy. You are a very bright person, Dr Marks.
I can't believe what doc says about using senses makes me realize that I've been using it in my entire life. I can't keep up in school using my memory without visualizing or hearing my teachers voice or my classmates saying it to me. But in terms of problem solving my memory is very low at all. I can comprehend but it seems like my brain just eject it later. I mean we all probably experienced this HAHAHAH
I love love this lady, God sent her to help us.
I used to have a great memory, but I've also had immense anxiety for years. Since I had a breakdown and started taking meds 2 years ago, my memory has gotten worse and now it's really hard for me to function. I act like a different person: I'm constantly late, forget about deadlines, lose stuff all the time etc. Watching a 7 minute video was too much for me due to the poor concentration and forgetfulness. I've been diagnosed with GAD and depression, and I take duloxetine and bupropion. Bupropion actually changed my life, I'm no loger apathetic and numb, but it didn't affect my executive functions. My doctor says that my memory should be getting better on stimulants and blaims it on anxiety but... I don't have any symptoms and I feel overall relaxed. I have some residual symptoms of depression, but I feel confident about managing them. I started to suspect that I may have ADHD, but I used to be very well organized and I was a perfect student. I heard about the inattentive type and I see a lot of similiarities to my situation, but it doesn't make sense why those symptoms would be hidden for such a long time (I'm 22F)!
Hi Kasia, how are you doing now?
My anti depressant messes with my memory and affected my last job. I had to ask the same questions again
All your hard work is really appreciated... again, thank for laying out this useful information in a way that is easy to understand.
Oh brother... really🙄🙄🙄
You're so welcome Anthony. Thanks so much for your support! ❤️🙏🏽
I have never had a good memory. Even as a child. Now it’s getting worse as I age. I am now a team leader of five staff and it’s so difficult at work. Always trying to hide my real self. They would not understand, may even hold it against me. I am in a dark place and my memory makes matters worse.
I have major executive function issues. So I hope I remember go come back and watch this and take notes. But I have to go fix my car skylight before I forget for another 5 months. I always forget to fix the leak.
Giving you a thumbs up so hopefully you get a notification to remind you! 😀
Doctor my memory is horrible. I have a pseudo tumor amoung other things and I figured the spinal fluid was accumulating in my skull causing the loss. This explains so much. No one believes me either
i am so reliant on forming routines that i don't even realize i do it until i'm disrupted. I just moved a couple days ago and left some very important things behind because nothing was where i was used to it being and there didn't seem to be any "correct" order to do things. when i get like that i can look straight at things and not even see them, no matter how many times i look. i would assume this sort of selective inability to see is a working memory problem as well? like there's too much visual data so some of it just gets rejected and never even makes it to the clipboard. or would that fall under something else?
Thank you for making these videos! I always learn something new from watching them.
Hello Dr Tracy! I saw you this morning on "Good Morning Washington". Wow! Thanks for your good advice on managing anxiety.🌺 I'm diagnosed with Complex Partial seizures with memory loss from auto accidents. John's Hopkins did research on me. The Mystery...I don't know what a seizure feels like. It's on both sides of my Brain...It takes my short term memory away. I've been journaling awhile.
Thank you for this, the timing of this video is amazing as I have terrible working memory and have been given some tools to cope with it. This video has added to my tool box and the tips given are better than what my counsellor has suggested.
When i visualise something like the call example, my brain consider that i've dine it already. Sometime i respond to a text in my mind and forget to actually send the reply and when i get back to it my brain is convinced that i replied!
I wanted to do something in my phone now and i totally forgot what is it, instead i saw your notification and watched your video 😄 Thank you
I do that all the time to! So frustrating!
I'm afraid someday I will forget all my passwords, not sure if they're in my working memory or my long term memory, or who knows where.
Thanks for the explanation!
I'll make sure to remember watching recommended videos...
Despite what many think, writing passwords down on a piece of paper isn't a terrible idea sometimes. The key is to not make it easy for any wrongdoers and so, not leave it obvious which account they are for. Or if you must, leave them written in a very secure strongbox / safe.
Else, if someone has successfully managed to get access to your devices whilst you aren't home, it doesn't really matter if you've bits of paper with passwords on or not. Once someone physically has your computer, if they have skills, they can break in regardless.
Therefore in the event of a burglary, immediately secure your financial and personal identity details, social medias etc by contacting those relevant, and primary email account, too.
Using the other senses to help working memory reminds me how whenever I take my meds, I'll say "I am taking my meds on [weekday]" so I remember that I just took them. It's such a quick thing that my memory will just immediately dump it after I do it, so I'll forget if I took them or not. But if I say it out loud, I'll remember hearing myself say it. This probably works for other things too, and I suspect one of the reasons ADHD and autistic kids will often talk to themselves and self-narrate. (Speaking as someone who also has ADHD and on the spectrum.)
Right on time! Thank you for this thorough description...AND the hope at the end of the tunnel!
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Just recently went to speak to my doctor about this and we're checking for all kind of stuff that could be the cause, in the meantime I'll try using your tips, thanks doctor Tracey!
You’re welcome Kasia! I hope you get some answers with your work up.
@@DrTraceyMarks I hope so, thanks! It's a bit exhausting to live that way so I finally went to do something about it. Could you let us know if you'll have more videos on improving working memory or if there are more resources on what to do do to improve it?
Lady, you are doing a great job.
Your videos are always helpful and insightful.
Excellent ideas! Can’t wait to implement them…now, what was I doing again?
Very informative! Can you talk about different techniques we can use to reinforce information for more long-term use/application? I’ve always been really insecure about my memory (though I realize the insecurity isn’t serving me!), and I try to make up for that by learning about different subjects and refreshing my knowledge, but I seem to struggle on a day to day basis when it comes to drawing associations that can reinforce ideas. Just often feels like memory inhibits my capacity. Would love your input
Omg i related to all of these things so much i started saying "YES!" out loud in response
Thank You my working memory is deficient because of my adhd inattentive and dyslexia.
I use my phone’s calendar for “cognitive offloading,” and it has been a lifesaver!
Dear Dr. Marks, I love your outfit and hairstyle 😍🥰 ... This is interesting and timely at same time. There are studys that prove Ceylon cinnamon as well as rosemary herb are excellent for restoring memory.
Thank you Ismail. That’s good to know about the cinnamon. It’s a yummy smell to have in the house.
@@DrTraceyMarks For sure my lady
My memory problem with memory started after stress and depression
Daamn Dr. Tracey looking real drippy out here, gotta recognize the fit, also great video