I have the memory of a sponge | ADHD Information

I would respond to the first post but I forgot what it was by the time I got here.

You're in the majority here!! Very common complaint - and it's less about memory as it is keeping a train of thought.  We're like a TV in a man's house - our channels flip-flip-flip all the time.  Get one thought in order - and another comes in to muddle you up!

About the only advice I have for you is to keep your life as simplified as you can.  Try not to get into too many tasks at once - I know that's hard but simple is always best with us.

Once I began medication - my memory changed drastically.  I can recall lists, events (still bad with faces and names).  But I still have to be careful not to overfill my life with agendas and lists.  The tendency to overdo it is still there.

With practice and slowing down a bit - it gets better.  A therapist can help too - they can teach new skills to help you.

 

I get so fustrated with myself,

I have the memory of a sponge, If I get up to get something and halfway there I start thinking of something else, bam, I forget why I was moving in that direction in the first place. Then I turn around and go back, only to be reminded why I was heading there in the first place, and set out again.

Its almost like I have to write down on a posty my last thought, before I can move on to the next, so I can return and remember.

Some days are worse than others, today was real bad, sometimes I really hate myself. It makes me feel like I am unintellegent, when I know I'm am intellegent and it just doesn't show.

                           does that make sense?

Dave, I agree, this is the most frustrating thing about this disorder. It's just as you described-- I can't get anything done because I jump up to do whatever my last thought was, walk 2 steps, and totally forget what I was trying to do. Then I have to backtrack mentally and physically to remember what I was supposed to be doing!

AARRGGHH!!! It is SO HARD to accomplish anything!

taritac38651.982662037I've learned not to let it frustrate me. I either will run across a trigger to remind me, or someone else will.

But, I do write as much down as possible, and try to remember where I put the notes...