Posted by IsoM on May 30, 2002, at 15:13:32
In reply to Adjusting to Illness, posted by bookgurl99 on May 29, 2002, at 20:27:13
I've found with myself, with my sons, & with close firends who've had depression or a major physical illness, that your memory & cognitive abilities are ALWAYS affected. I'm not sure what goes on between the brain & the rest of the body at these times, but it's like the resources we need to get through these times of illness (even lasting many months) lessen our ability to reason & to retain memories.
I've been convinced in the past that I'm now going to be permanently stupider. I value my mental prowess very highly, so it really bothered me that I'd be like this. I have a son who's a programmer & when he tried to do his normal programming during depression, he couldn't think enough to solve anything & would end in tears. I've seen similar with friends.
But I want to assure you that it always does come back when you heal. You still may have gaps in your memory, but that may be a good thing considering how terrible such times can be. But you won't remain flat & uncreative. All your previous abilities will return.
poster:IsoM
thread:24857
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020523/msgs/24886.html