Dear Therapist:

I have been enjoying this column in the Yated very much. I was wondering if you would be able to help me out. I’m going through a very hard period. I’m only 28 years old and I’m realizing that I have an issue in retaining information that I learn. I’m realizing it now because I got a job and it’s really affecting my job. I am slowly getting very very down on myself and I no longer have any interest in talking to people. Is there anything you would suggest? Thank you.

Response:

There are a number of reasons that you might be having trouble retaining information.  If you have always had trouble retaining certain types of information, this could be due to something simple, like lack of interest in the material.  If this is the case, you can identify those areas in which you have trouble retaining information.  Once you have a clear recognition of these, you might try and schedule your study of these for a time when you are better able to focus—or you could ask someone for help in these particular areas.  If this is not possible, knowledge of the areas in which you do retain information and those in which you have trouble can help you to choose a job or career in which you can excel. 

If the problem is more general, and you have always had trouble retaining different types of information (regardless of interest or other obvious factors), it could be caused by a learning problem, like a processing disorder.  Although processing disorders and learning disabilities are usually diagnosed in children, people have often gotten through school without a disorder being identified, only to have trouble later on in life.  Most programs seem to be dedicated to children, but there is certainly help available for adults as well.

If you haven’t always had memory problems, or if they are becoming progressively worse, there are many factors that can be contributing to this.  Some possible medical causes of memory loss include alcohol use, some medications, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, Vitamin B-12 deficiency and Hypothyroidism.  There are also various mental health issues that are associated with problems in focusing and memory retention.  A few that come to mind are ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, and Bipolar Disorder.  If you’re experiencing other symptoms along with memory issues, you should discuss these with your physician or a mental health professional.

 -Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW

  psychotherapist in private practice

 Brooklyn, NY

 author of Self-Esteem: A Primer

 www.ylcsw.com / 718-258-5317

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