Hmmm I forgot what I had to tell you....

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Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
1 cup of sugar for sweet tea

All 3 of the above items are ones which should be engraved in my memory bank.  Yet all 3 are items I've forgotten many times and just stared ahead.  It embarrasses me.  I ride the airport park and ride because I can't afford the time it takes to walk around the parking garage at Hartsfield trying to figure out where I parked.  I am a horrible story teller - just ask my husband who has to high jack my stories half way through them due to my rambling and forgetfulness mid sentence.    

My issue is I have 2 bouts of viral meningitis under my belt combined with clinical depression.  Sort of a recipe for a memory melt down.  What compelled me to write about this topic is the show Scandal.  I love to binge watch a show and honestly part of the reason is because it helps me to piece together the episodes so I don't forget them week to week.  Mid way through one of the episodes last night I asked JT, "Did I watch Scandal pre or post hospitalization?"  It was pre.  I felt a sigh of relief.  I couldn't have recapped Seasons 1 and 2 in a proper manner if I tried.  I talk often about knowing I'm on the right medication combo.  My memory improvement and lack of confusion is just one more indication, my Psychiatrist is on target with me. 

Just some food for thought to take into consideration if you have people in your life suffering from a mental illness, dementia, TBI or Alzheimer's.  

• We often feel like we can't focus when giving or receiving instructions.  This leads to misunderstandings at home and work.  If often makes us feel "stupid" although we are far from stupid.  

• We often find it impossible to comprehend what we read which leads to a lack of enjoyment in not remembering the latest James Patterson or Emily Giffin beach read of the month.  Hence, the frustration of not being able to discuss it with friends.  You can forget about a Book Club!  

• We often lose our train of thought and cannot focus.  Be understanding when half way through a story, we cannot finish it due to not remembering.  

• We often find it difficult to focus on a task when others things are going on around us.  Example:  TV has to be muted for me to have a phone conversation or a conversation in that same room with someone.  Some perceive the distraction to be a lack of consideration for what they are trying to talk about.  I promise it isn't personal.  

Finally, a few tips I have put into play from research and discussion with my Psychiatrist and therapist.  

• Don't answer your phone if you know you will be distracted when talking.  Voicemail is there for a reason.  

• Make a daily to do list and cross them off as completed for a sense of accomplishment and to keep you on task.  

• Write everything down!  I cannot tell you how many times I thought I would remember that 10 am appointment when I got to my car only to have to call the office back to confirm.  

• Have a set place at home to put car keys, sunglasses, cell phone charger and things you use daily.  

• Take detailed notes during a meeting and leave nothing to chance thinking you will remember it later.  If in doubt, write it down!  

• If at all possible, have conversations in a quiet area with minimal distractions.  

• And finally, be honest.  If you are having a hard time focusing, say so.  It may prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings.