Very bad memory

LegacyUser

I have very very poor short-term memory. Things just slip my mind, often within minutes. Sometimes people remind me about things and the memory clicks into place, but sometimes I have no recollection of it at all.
Because of this I often look stupid at work, or like I just don't care. I made a mistake recently and all I could say was "I'm sorry, I just forgot." Nobody else there would ever in a million years have forgotten the same thing and I know it looked like I was lying.
My question is whether this problem could be cause by trauma in the past? I'm not hoping to use it as an excuse at work, but I thought that it might be worth looking for help addressing the trauma if it helped with my memory.
I'm afraid practical suggestions like "get a notebook" or "set reminders on your phone" just don't work for me.

Ursus Horribilis

Maybe you should go to your GP and have it checked out.

LegacyUser

There can be a variety of reasons for what you are describing, medical or psychological. Best thing to do is start with your GP and based on your symptoms they might decide to refer you for an assessment with an appropriate specialist. Try to give as much information as possible that you think is relevant when talking with your GP to ensure you get the most appropriate referral. Don't be fobbed off if you think it's something that's having an impact on your life.

Xterminator

Hi Op

we dont/cant give medical advice here - but visiting your GP would be wise - even if it only sets your mind at ease.

But practical advice is plentiful.

My main piece of advice is to be organised. If you rely on your memory, you will make mistakes. you know this. So become rigidly organised, make a to do list, keep it up to date, and if anyone asks you to perform a task, ask them to email the request to you, and update your day planner. By being organised in work you can plan your day efficiently, prioritize your tasks and show how your day was spent.

Diet and exercise is important to memory and recall. they recommend a more mediterranean diet, and regular exercise.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/dietary-supplements-for-mind-and-memory-what-works-what-doesnt

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/mind-and-memory-supplement-scorecard

You can take multivitamin supplements and see what improvement that makes - if any. i used to eat a banana everyday during my university exams as the potassium is supposed to aid recall. I'm not sure it made a huge difference on its own, but eating fresh fruit regularly wont hurt!

wiggle16

Hi OP

You really need to get this seen to by a GP before speculating upon other causes - you need to rule out a physical or neurological cause first of all. Anything else is putting the cart before the horse.

Xterminator has given some very good advice about coping with memory problems which should help on a practical level. But for the cause, you must see a GP.

Best of luck OP

khaldrogo

Get a little pocket note pad and write stuff down

klm1

In my last job my colleagues commented that I had awful memory skills. In reality I had a very good memory, it was just focused on the wrong things. I was struggling with sleep and felt as though I was putting in parts of my day in a haze.

After realising that I would control it, I started to do some things that would benefit my mental clarity. Nothing major, just small changes.
I started eating more fish, oily fish being better. The Omega3 Fatty Acids are known to improve brain function.
I worked in improving my sleep cycle, this is still a work in progress, but feels like it is getting there.
I started meditation and mindfullness. Both of these things improved my concentration, which improved my memory.

While all this was falling into place I used an app on my phone to make constant notes and carried a small notebook for times when the phone wasn't practical. I know you say these practical suggestions just don't work for you, but if the situation is as stressful as it sounds like it is, then you can surely make these options work? People will admire your willingness to address the issue at hand, but also over time you should find you need these aids less and less.