Hi, I'm a newbie and not really sure how these things work. But there is something that has been bothering me for a while. Years ago my depression was a different animal, don't know if this 'new' symptom is down to the depression. I seem to have problems with thinking for myself, I'm having more problems working things out, its as if my brain shuts down; there are some times when I'm filling in forms when I can only manage a 2 or 3 questions and then my brain shuts down, or if I try to cook, there are times when I can't work out when things are ready, to try it out doesn't seem to occur to me. Am I losing my mind, or does anyone else have similar problems?
I used to have problems like that. Figuring out simple tasks, poor memory, staying focused long enough to write out a check. This can be a symptom of depression. Once treatments start working these symptoms begin to clear pretty quickly.
Depression can definitely affect your memory. I've had memory problems. But antidepressants can also make your mind foggy. I don't know if you're on medication or not, but I agree that you should consult your doctor. The symptoms you are describing sound more severe than normal depression.
Thanks for your thoughts guys, I'm glad I have joined Health boards . I am on meds - quetiapine tabs and flouxetine; I was on lithium 600mg but was rather zombiefied so came off them. Warm wishes to you all and good health .
Poor memory and concentration can definitely be a sign of depression. My concentration is not great, but during my last major episode it was just horrible. I didn't think it could get any worse but it did. I think years of anxiety/depression/medication has definitely affected me, however with my new meds I'm doing much better. I think I'm always going to have some problems. Sometimes a word or a name is on the tip of my tongue and I can't quite get it. And sometimes I'll be telling someone something and I realize I already told them. But it's definitely better.
Having said that I agree with Sannah that you should see a doctor. Sometimes people assume depression and it could be something else, so you should rule everything else out.
Brain on Strike? 
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