Depression and Memory
The subject of depression and memory is an interesting one covered a vast range of information.
In this informational article titled "Depression and Memory" we will be exploring the basic definition of memory and briefly examining the effects depression may have on both short and long term memory.
According to the American Medical Association "memory is the process by which information, knowledge, and past events are recovered, reproduced, or recalled".
Most research suggests that your memory stores information through associative mechanisms.
One hypothesis advances the idea that memories are retained by changes made in nerve tissue in the brain, where they form memory traces with memories being divided into long and short term.
Now let's move on to how depression can have a devastating affect on ones ability to remember effectively.
When you are down in the dumps it becomes increasing difficult to think clearly.
You may be saddled with low self esteem, hopelessness, helplessness, or guilt.
Besides feeling less than your best the biologically based condition of depression can wreak havoc on both long and short term memory.
Let's explore four components of memory and briefly examine how depression and memory are linked: *Immediate memory: You are feeling depressed while watching TV and that infomercial comes on for that handy dandy apparatus.
You frantically dial the number failing to notice that you need to 15 payments of only $19.
99 rather than one.
This is a symptom of depression and memory in as much as depression reduces your ability to pay attention to important information.
Things you normally wouldn't miss slip right by faster than a race car fan runs to the hot dog stand after number 24 crosses the finish line.
*Working memory: Just before leaving home you have organized a number of work tasks to accomplish once reaching the office.
Once getting to the office you couldn't remember a single one.
Depression gets in the way of your ability to concentrate and hold on to information thus reducing your productivity exponentially.
*Long term memory: Sara is a talented college student who never struggled with grades until her long term boyfriend Gary dumped her for her best friend.
Now her grades have plummeted.
Depression makes learning new material much harder.
Such mundane tasks as studying for a final can become very challenging and information that used to be memorized in one reading now take three.
*Retrieval: Bob noticed that he needed a few things from the grocery store.
He figured that it would be simpler to pick up these 3 items on the way home.
After work he stopped at his favorite super store only to have a total memory meltdown, where he couldn't remember one item little alone three.
Depression makes recalling mental shopping list and dates extremely difficult.
It renders previously learned names, faces, and facts inaccessible.
Depressive negative thoughts may overrun the brain thus making happy times in your life difficult to recall.
In summary, depression and memory can have a devastating effect both from a person and professional perspective.
For this reason many people are considering natural supplements for depression as an affordable way to reduce the symptoms and support both emotional and mental health.
In this informational article titled "Depression and Memory" we will be exploring the basic definition of memory and briefly examining the effects depression may have on both short and long term memory.
According to the American Medical Association "memory is the process by which information, knowledge, and past events are recovered, reproduced, or recalled".
Most research suggests that your memory stores information through associative mechanisms.
One hypothesis advances the idea that memories are retained by changes made in nerve tissue in the brain, where they form memory traces with memories being divided into long and short term.
Now let's move on to how depression can have a devastating affect on ones ability to remember effectively.
When you are down in the dumps it becomes increasing difficult to think clearly.
You may be saddled with low self esteem, hopelessness, helplessness, or guilt.
Besides feeling less than your best the biologically based condition of depression can wreak havoc on both long and short term memory.
Let's explore four components of memory and briefly examine how depression and memory are linked: *Immediate memory: You are feeling depressed while watching TV and that infomercial comes on for that handy dandy apparatus.
You frantically dial the number failing to notice that you need to 15 payments of only $19.
99 rather than one.
This is a symptom of depression and memory in as much as depression reduces your ability to pay attention to important information.
Things you normally wouldn't miss slip right by faster than a race car fan runs to the hot dog stand after number 24 crosses the finish line.
*Working memory: Just before leaving home you have organized a number of work tasks to accomplish once reaching the office.
Once getting to the office you couldn't remember a single one.
Depression gets in the way of your ability to concentrate and hold on to information thus reducing your productivity exponentially.
*Long term memory: Sara is a talented college student who never struggled with grades until her long term boyfriend Gary dumped her for her best friend.
Now her grades have plummeted.
Depression makes learning new material much harder.
Such mundane tasks as studying for a final can become very challenging and information that used to be memorized in one reading now take three.
*Retrieval: Bob noticed that he needed a few things from the grocery store.
He figured that it would be simpler to pick up these 3 items on the way home.
After work he stopped at his favorite super store only to have a total memory meltdown, where he couldn't remember one item little alone three.
Depression makes recalling mental shopping list and dates extremely difficult.
It renders previously learned names, faces, and facts inaccessible.
Depressive negative thoughts may overrun the brain thus making happy times in your life difficult to recall.
In summary, depression and memory can have a devastating effect both from a person and professional perspective.
For this reason many people are considering natural supplements for depression as an affordable way to reduce the symptoms and support both emotional and mental health.
