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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tina1 on May 28, 2000, at 21:32:52
Just wondering something. I keep feeling like I'm getting dumber my the minute. I read posts here and I am completely confused and lost as to their content and vocabulary. I just don't seem to "get it" Is this a symptom of depression--Steadily Decreasing I.Q?
Posted by brian on May 28, 2000, at 21:47:28
In reply to Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by Tina1 on May 28, 2000, at 21:32:52
> Just wondering something. I keep feeling like I'm getting dumber my the minute. I read posts here and I am completely confused and lost as to their content and vocabulary. I just don't seem to "get it" Is this a symptom of depression--Steadily Decreasing I.Q?
Hey, maybe you're getting smarter or more perceptive. Maybe the old "what the hell are you talking about?" syndrome is kicking in, wherein the sufferer suddenly realizes that what she is reading -- for all its big words -- doesn't make a lick of sense.
By the way, the opposite of you're possible affliction is known as the "UmbertoEcoism," a sad disease that causes the sufferer to write using superfluous technical terms, esoteric bits of history and religion and philisophical gobbledy-gook. Just want you to know that my treatment is coming along, well. In fact, its transplendantly liberating in its onanistic munificence!
Posted by shar on May 28, 2000, at 23:54:50
In reply to Re: Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by brian on May 28, 2000, at 21:47:28
Tina1: Trust your instincts.
I think you've hit the nail on the head, Brian.
And the wonderful thing is, anyone can do it because the ideas don't even have to relate to each other. They can be totally random! Just make sure the big-word ratio is going, or maybe the deathly-descriptive analogy is going, and you can make no sense at all.
The phrase "transplendently liberating" is excellent. It will be put in my little notebook along with other examples of content-free communication. S
>
> Hey, maybe you're getting smarter or more perceptive. Maybe the old "what the hell are you talking about?" syndrome is kicking in, wherein the sufferer suddenly realizes that what she is reading -- for all its big words -- doesn't make a lick of sense.
>
> By the way, the opposite of you're possible affliction is known as the "UmbertoEcoism," a sad disease that causes the sufferer to write using superfluous technical terms, esoteric bits of history and religion and philisophical gobbledy-gook. Just want you to know that my treatment is coming along, well. In fact, its transplendantly liberating in its onanistic munificence!
Posted by ChrisK on May 29, 2000, at 6:53:09
In reply to Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by Tina1 on May 28, 2000, at 21:32:52
Tina,
Common symptoms of depression include confusion and a shortened attention span and an inability to concentrate. It's not that you are losing intelligence, it's just that your brain isn't using it properly. Hopefully with the right meds this all comes back. I know that I can still remember all of the words to songs from 30 years ago but I can barely remember what I ate for dinner last night.
Posted by Theresa Pye on May 29, 2000, at 8:46:36
In reply to Re: Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by ChrisK on May 29, 2000, at 6:53:09
Medications can cause these symptoms too. One thing I've seen other people complain about is their loss of short term memory as a result of their medications.
Theresa
> Tina,
>
> Common symptoms of depression include confusion and a shortened attention span and an inability to concentrate. It's not that you are losing intelligence, it's just that your brain isn't using it properly. Hopefully with the right meds this all comes back. I know that I can still remember all of the words to songs from 30 years ago but I can barely remember what I ate for dinner last night.
Posted by bob on May 29, 2000, at 22:34:35
In reply to Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by Tina1 on May 28, 2000, at 21:32:52
I guess it's possible -- I've always found stupidity to be pretty depressing.
cheers,
bobum, not, uh, that that is what, like, *I'm* depressed about or anything like that, knowhutimean? I just mean from what I've seen elsewhere .... aCk!
Posted by Noa on May 30, 2000, at 18:44:25
In reply to Re: Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by bob on May 29, 2000, at 22:34:35
I think the self-perception of feeling stupid is a symptom of depression. Also, as someone said, some meds cause some short term memory problems.
Posted by Kellie on May 31, 2000, at 17:29:17
In reply to Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by Tina1 on May 28, 2000, at 21:32:52
> Just wondering something. I keep feeling like I'm getting dumber my the minute. I read posts here and I am completely confused and lost as to their content and vocabulary. I just don't seem to "get it" Is this a symptom of depression--Steadily Decreasing I.Q?
(uh-oh here I go) I feel just like you, Tina1. I didn't know there were so many terms and medications and treatments for depression! I've two windows open right now, one dedicated to a dictionary. But I did (and still do) often feel stupid before medication, but I had super concentration before. I lost the concentration ability and now often feel like an airhead (My doctor said maybe that's the way I always was but just didn't know it). I lost short term memory ability after getting hit by lightning, so I can't say what an anti-depressant might have done there.
Kellie
Posted by michael on May 31, 2000, at 20:23:25
In reply to Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by Tina1 on May 28, 2000, at 21:32:52
> Just wondering something. I keep feeling like I'm getting dumber my the minute. I read posts here and I am completely confused and lost as to their content and vocabulary. I just don't seem to "get it" Is this a symptom of depression--Steadily Decreasing I.Q?
Does depression make you stupid?Of course it does, you dummy~!
Seriously - it's like the others said. Sometimes it's a symptom/part of depression. Other times, it's med induced.
I think it was prozac that killed my short term memory while I was taking it - I couldn't finish a train of thought, or remember what I just came into the room to get, or to do.
Other meds have helped me regain my concentration and ability to focus (the loss of which was not related to meds - part of the initial problem).
Once again, unfortunately, no absolutes w/this stuff. (YMMV) Good luck.
Posted by Noa on June 1, 2000, at 8:08:44
In reply to Re: Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by michael on May 31, 2000, at 20:23:25
During the time I was hypothyroid, I felt so dense. I couldn't think things through at all, felt totally unorganized, couldn't think straight. I described it to my therapist as the feeling of having a brain full of cotton balls, or being foggy-headed. Then I read some books on hypothyroid, and discovered how common this sensation is! The term used widely is "brain fog". I thought it was the depression that did it, but it was at least in part, the hypothyroid.
Mostly, I think of my dulled intellectual capacity during depression as a function of having my mental energy tied up with depressive preoccupations, anxiety, etc., or just trying to to the daily basics. I know that when I am depressed, my basic problem solving abilities are shot. For little problems as well as big ones. The basic 1) define the problem, 2)generate alternatives, 3)choose a strategy, 4) develop steps to execute the strategy, 5) carry it out, etc. just aren't accessible to me when I am depressed. First of all, at the "define the problem" step, I get stuck feeling like the problem is more monumental and a sign of my moral or otherwise weakness or badness. But even if I can get past that step, I can't really generate alternatives effectively. I get stuck being anxious about the implications of various alternatives, judging myself, anticipating judgment from others, etc. Usually, when depressed, I never get any further than this. In contrast, when not depressed, I often can do this process easily and quickly, and am amazed at the difference.
Posted by Danny on June 3, 2000, at 2:01:05
In reply to Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by Tina1 on May 28, 2000, at 21:32:52
Speaking for myself,...what was I saying? Yeah, depression makes me, well not stupid, confused. It's harder to focus, keep track of time & other odds and ends. I noticed it recently because I was unusually depressed and I literally had a hard time signing my name. And sometimes I just use it as an excuse not to do things. "Sorry, I'm too stupid to handle that today." Perks of depression.
> Just wondering something. I keep feeling like I'm getting dumber my the minute. I read posts here and I am completely confused and lost as to their content and vocabulary. I just don't seem to "get it" Is this a symptom of depression--Steadily Decreasing I.Q?
Posted by annlanka on March 18, 2003, at 20:18:09
In reply to Re: Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by brian on May 28, 2000, at 21:47:28
hey guys- i am so fogged out now that i have depression- no joke. I had to drop out of school this quarter cause i had no concentration and lack of interest in all academic related activities. All i want to do is stuff my face with cookies and sleep.
however, i must say the depression has made me think more deeply(i know that sounds corny) and search for meaning in life in general.. so in a sense, i guess i am smarter. However, is it worth it if it is so depressing in the end?
Posted by T_R_D on March 19, 2003, at 9:05:46
In reply to Re: Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by annlanka on March 18, 2003, at 20:18:09
Man, does it EVER! I always ge extremely forgetful--like, 5 times to get out the door because I'm leaving something behind (wallet, keys, papers or knapsacks, sunglasses...you name it!) Another thing that tends to happen is almost aphasic. I forget what things are called and have a hard time thinking of the right words to say when I'm describing something. It is incredibly frustrating not to be able to speak correctly!!! My concentration also takes a nosedive so I don't feel I can retain anything that I read etc...
I'm sorry you had to drop out. I know how that feels as I took about a 6-month leave from my last job. I felt like an utter and total failure and to top it all off--they fired me! Not outrightly for depression but I know that was the *real* reason. They started making up these bogus rules that were impossible to follow and nailed me. After 9 years of service...
Anyway, the point is, you're not a failure, you're just sick. You have a severe illness that takes time to heal. Are you seeking any sort of treatment right now? Keep up with it--it'll save your life.
Karen
> hey guys- i am so fogged out now that i have depression- no joke. I had to drop out of school this quarter cause i had no concentration and lack of interest in all academic related activities. All i want to do is stuff my face with cookies and sleep.
> however, i must say the depression has made me think more deeply(i know that sounds corny) and search for meaning in life in general.. so in a sense, i guess i am smarter. However, is it worth it if it is so depressing in the end?
Posted by leeann on March 19, 2003, at 23:02:59
In reply to Re: Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by annlanka on March 18, 2003, at 20:18:09
I also had to drop out of school due to lack of concentration related to depression, and im sorry to say I fight that feeling everyday, its like my intelligence is suffering as much as my mood.
Posted by fierc on March 20, 2003, at 3:28:16
In reply to Re: Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by annlanka on March 18, 2003, at 20:18:09
Glad to hear others had to drop out of school because of depression. I took a year off of UNiversity last year because of it and I have to say that was probably the best thing I could have done for myself. Initially I was upset because my dr. really wanted me to leave school and I finally did. In that year I grew up a lot and did a lot of soul searching too. I must say that filling your life with the things you love and doing what makes you feel good was helpful for me. I tried to get rid of anything that I felt was toxic to my happiness and go from there. Now I am back in school, doing better than before which I am thrilled about. Depression messes with who you are. One day everything is good the next day everything has fallen apart. Just the game we play. And it sucks! Find something that helps you through. My thing was reading. I read a book a day bascially....but no self help cause I felt they just conradicted and meesed with my mind more. Good luck.....it does eventually get better....this week I the optimist!
Posted by japonica on March 21, 2003, at 8:46:10
In reply to Re: Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by fierc on March 20, 2003, at 3:28:16
Posted by Dave1 on March 21, 2003, at 9:56:27
In reply to Re: I'm not sure I understand your question ; ) (nm), posted by japonica on March 21, 2003, at 8:46:10
(n.m.)
Posted by japonica on March 21, 2003, at 10:32:16
In reply to Maybe he/she means will it lower your I.Q. (n.m.), posted by Dave1 on March 21, 2003, at 9:56:27
Actually my (nm) post was an attempt at sarcastic humor; apparently a feeble attempt. I thought the emoticon ;) might have helped.
japonica
Posted by Dave1 on March 21, 2003, at 12:47:22
In reply to Re: Maybe he/she means will it lower your I.Q. (n.m.) » Dave1, posted by japonica on March 21, 2003, at 10:32:16
Oops, sorry I think my depression lowered my I.Q. so I didn't know you were being sarcastic.
Just joking,Dave
Posted by zenclear on March 21, 2003, at 18:17:12
In reply to Re: Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by T_R_D on March 19, 2003, at 9:05:46
Posted by Viridis on March 22, 2003, at 2:09:47
In reply to Re: Does Depression make you Stupid???, posted by T_R_D on March 19, 2003, at 9:05:46
When I'm severely depressed, I can't think clearly at all, my memory is shot, and I have serious trouble with even routine tasks. The current thinking is that depression is caused, or at least accompanied, by brain cell death. I certainly believe this -- I suspect that if I took an IQ test while depressed vs. normal, there would be at least a 20 pt. difference.
This is the end of the thread.
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