I think my memory's disappearing. Does this sound familiar to you?

[Anonymous]

The first time I noticed it was when I realized I'd nearly forgotten a traumatic event in my childhood. Then, a few months ago, someone asked me about my favorite books when I was a teen. I couldn't recall many. I have also forgotten a lot of what I've learned in my childhood and teenage years, and a few other important events in my life.

The scariest part is not being able to match names to people's faces. I would remember the names, or see a face and think it's familiar, but I can't make the connection. There's a girl I've known for a year now, and I still make mistakes with her name. I also find it very difficult to retain memories, whether it's facts or emotional ones, beyond a few months. Some other things I can't recall in order, no matter how important the memory is.

And I don't know if this is related, but sometimes I can't smell or taste things, even if it's some new, delicious dish right under my nose.

I don't drink, smoke or do drugs. I'm in my early 20s, and as far as I know, I've never had a head injury. What's happening to me?

[sammypants]

I don't remember what your question was, but I have had the same problem. I see you went to your GP and that is exactly where you start. It may be tough to find a good psychiatrist though. They tend to dance around the issues. I found one that gets directly to the point and takes me out of my comfort zone. I can't stand the guy, but his help has been tremendous! A good one will let you talk a few minutes and then start digging toward the issue and it will be very uncomfortable. The others see you as a future appointment and they see dollar signs.

[Asker]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I can't imagine the kind of courage it would take to do this.

Yes, I think I understand what you mean. I had a counselor who was like this too; I would cry so hard as I relived my memories but she never budged. However, it really helped me see things in a new light.

Thanks again for the tips!

[MothMonsterMan]

Pretty typical actually, but if you're concerned you can always get checked out by a doctor. Do not use the internet for medical advice. Now, if you start forgetting family members' names or faces, or you are driving say from work to home and suddenly can't remember how to get home, THEN it's time to talk to a doctor.

[Asker]

I should've been clearer. That traumatic event in my childhood that I'd almost forgotten was my first attempt at suicide. And the events where I messed up the sequence were mental breakdowns where I ended considering suicide/ started having hallucinations (?).

Also, is it common to keep forgetting the names of people you've seen every few weeks for a year?

And now that I think of it, I've had incidents where I suddenly started gesturing without wanting to... is that normal too? I would also end up crying hard, laughing or getting very angry at imagined people and scenarios inside my head.

I know I am not supposed to ask for medical opinion here, but I can't tell anyone about this. I am also wondering if I should go see a doctor.

[MothMonsterMan]

Oh don't worry, it's not against the rules to ask for medical advice here, I just say never do it because you won't get the best advice from someone thousands of miles away from you when it comes to your health. The suicide attempt was a traumatic experience and you may have blocked it subconsciously. I would definitely consult a doctor, who may refer you to a psychologist.

[Asker]

Thanks for the advice! I have spoken to my GP today, who, after asking a lot, wrote me a letter to recommend me to a psychiatrist. I am now ---what do you English speakers call it? ---"a certified fruit cake".

Not that it surprises me much. Thanks again for commenting!

[MothMonsterMan]

I'm glad to help and I'm glad you went to the doctor. The psychiatrist will be able to better determine what course of action to take. He may also prescribe a medicine to help with the symptons. But don't worry, you're only a certified "Fruitcake" if you DON'T follow his instructions. :)

[Asker]

Okay. Actually, I find the word 'fruitcake' strange and cute. To me, 'fruitcake' brings up memories of childhood, sweet things, simple life and home. Why do English speakers call mentally ill people fruitcakes?

Anyway, I'd rather be called a fruitcake than 'crazy', 'madwoman' or 'lunatic'.

[MothMonsterMan]

It is a funny word! I honestly don't know how it entered our English language used to describe someone crazy. Maybe because Fruit cakes, the food, has a reputation of being given as a gift that means well, but it's just sort of tolerated as far as taste goes. Most people say it's not good, but not awful. So a person labeled as a "Fruit cake" may act a little weird or crazy, but overall they're harmless and mean well.

[Asker]

Okay. Thanks for explaining!

(All your fruitcakes are plain or bad? Now I feel sorry for you all.)

[MothMonsterMan]

Personally I LOVE fruitcake. :) Others hate it with a passion. It does have a bad reputation though as a food, at least here in America.