Has it been hard for you to focus and concentrate lately? Trying to remember even basic things such as a grocery list or an appointment may have been really difficult. And has it been next to impossible to get any work done?
You may be struggling with memory loss and lack of concentration due to depression. Although depression is a very well-known condition there, is still much to learn about how it impacts our daily lives. If you have been struggling with depression and memory loss, here’s how we know the two are linked.
Biological Causes of Depression and Memory Loss
A significant connection between depression and memory loss is neurobiological. Specifically, research suggests that people who experience depression often have a hippocampus that is smaller than those who are not depressed. The hippocampus is the part of the brain responsible for memory. It is also affected by stress, which often is a symptom of depression.
When the Brain Chemistry is Altered
Another potential reason why you can’t concentrate may be the chemical makeup of your brain. Depression can be the source of all kinds of emotions. For example:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Sadness
- Loneliness
These emotions, over time, can cause your brain to release stress hormones. Cortisol is one such chemical. In the right amount, cortisol is actually useful for controlling your blood sugar and keeping inflammation in check. However, too much of the hormone impacts your ability to concentrate and makes you feel tired and irritable.
Emotional Links Between Depression, Concentration, and Memory Loss
There is also an emotional link between depression, concentration, and memory loss. When you are depressed, other areas of your life lose their value and meaning. It’s much more difficult to stay focused and on task at work when you are feeling overwhelmed with depression deep inside.
Other Ways Depression Impacts Your Brain
Some other ways that depression impacts your brain’s functioning include:
- Processing speed: it takes you longer to think through problems and come up with a solution.
- Concentration: when there is a lot of activity around you (a busy workspace, children playing, etc.) focus is difficult.
- Distractability: you are easily distracted and lost in your own thoughts. This makes it very hard to complete tasks. For safety reasons, this can be problematic, as with working with machines or operating a vehicle.
- Memory: you have trouble remembering where things are, past events, recent requests, etc.
The Reinforcement of Depression
Over time, these experiences have two frequent results:
- They reinforce beliefs that you already have about yourself, which fuels your depression. You feel less capable and competent about your own skills and abilities.
- These experiences strain your relationships with other people, including co-workers, family, and friends.
Left unaddressed, depression, and memory loss only cause more problems. They also further drag your mind further into depression. That, in turn, makes it harder for you to lift yourself out of the mindset.
Getting Help for Depression and Memory Loss
This is not a problem that you can just will away or fix completely on your own. You need professional help. It’s important to seek that help from a therapist skilled in depression counseling. Treatment will help you to overcome the barriers in your life that cause your depressive thinking. Also, your therapist can work with you, providing guidance with regards to your memory issues and repairing any damage.
We don’t always think that depression causes so many cognitive problems. Yet, depression and memory loss, as well as the ability to concentrate and focus, are intricately connected. The solution is to begin a therapeutic journey with a professional who understands these issues. Please contact me today to learn more about how depression treatment can help.
