Memory and Depression
By: Stefani Hinton, MA, LPC
What did I do yesterday? I know this song, but why can’t I remember the words? I just read an amazing book, but I cannot seem to recall what it was about? If you struggle with depression and ever asked these questions, you are not alone! Lets take a look at the relation between depression and memory lapses.
Correlation Between Memory and Depression
The correlation between memory loss and depression has been unknown to many, yet common among the majority. Studies have shown that people with depression have trouble remembering fine details of events they’ve experienced, remembering to carry out a planned activity and even medication tracking. It is known to be a symptom of depression. “Patients may have trouble finding their keys or retaining information they’ve read in a book”, says Carrie Holmberg, a post doc student in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University who studies depression (Wetsman, 2019). It can take the form of the common term brain fog, making you feel cloudy, fatigued and a sense of confusion.
How exactly does depression affect my memory?
Well, I’m glad you asked! When experiencing high levels of stress hormones, these hormones tend to circulate through our entire body and most importantly, our brain. These hormones particularly circulate to the hippocampus part of our brain and lower its volume and/or effectiveness. According to Dr. Tracey Marks, general and forensic psychiatrist, the hippocampus is a small, curved structure located in the temporal lobe of the brain. It plays a crucial role in memory and spatial navigation. Its function is for storing and retrieving facts, events, and personal experiences. It has volumes and density specifically impacted by negative hormones. When you experience a stressful event(s), the heaviness of the stress impacts your brain’s hippocampus, making it more difficult to process and recall. Thus, it is not uncommon to experience a sense of brain fogginess after going through a list of stressful to-do items!
Depression affects your short-term memory, not your long-term
While depression affects your short-term memory it does not tend to impact your long term. Research suggests long-term and procedural (memory associated with tasks, skills) memory are not often associated with depression. For example, if you experience a difficulty in concentrating on a task, remembering a response to a question you were going to say and making decisions, this can be a sign of short-term memory impact. However, things such as forgetting how to ride a bike, walk, tie your shoes and these sort of “how to” oriented things, have more to do with long term memory. With any case, it is important to seek a medical provider to give you more understanding of your symptoms. It is better to be safe than sorry!
Helpful tips to try
Luckily, there are helpful tips and activities to try in difficult memory lapses. Aside from treating the root of the condition, which is depression, being open and communicative about your memory lapses can help the people around you understand. I wasn’t lying when I said you are not alone! Many people, with depression or not, struggle with memory lapses. To be able to communicate this makes it easier for you and others around you. Check out a few more tips and tricks on managing memory difficulty with depression:
- Exercise has been proven to pump happy endorphins through your body. Getting your heart rate up and blood flowing, even for just 10 minutes can improve mind clarity.
- Choosing foods that compliment your body instead of slowing it down
- Believe it or not but having a full night’s rest allows you brain the mental rest and clarity it needs to function. With any tool, technology or machine, it requires rest. Refill your cup with a nap!
- Engage in small games on your phone that promote brain activity. This can be right before bed, when you wake or throughout your day if you’re willing
- Self-compassion! Remember, nothing and no one is perfect. Its okay to show yourself compassion and letting go of the need to say, do and perform the right things. Sometimes, what is needed in the space and time is for you to be yourself! Memory lapses and all!
For more information on mental health and memory function please check out the below links.
Leave a comment if you feel led to!
Brain Supplements that Increase Memory Function
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DSG_pQdOKo
ADHD, Depression and Memory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ3uAFtCeiI
Depression and Cognitive Impairment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ga4hcRQUM8
References:
Eichenbaum, H. (2017). The role of the hippocampus in navigation is memory. Journal of neurophysiology, 117(4), 1785–1796. DOI: 10.1152/jn.00005.2017
Hippocampus: What is it, location, function, and more | osmosis. (n.d.). https://www.osmosis.org/answers/hippocampus
Is memory loss a sign of depression?. Montare Behavioral Health. (2024, February 20). https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/resources/memory-loss-a-sign-of-depression/#:~:text=What%20Is%20the%20Connection%20Between,headaches%2C%20
stomachaches%2C%20and%20back%20pain
Norman Y, Yeagle EM, Khuvis S, Harel M, Mehta AD, Malach R. Hippocampal sharp-wave ripples linked to visual episodic recollection in humans. Science. 2019 Aug 16;365(6454):eaax1030. doi: 10.1126/science.aax1030. PMID: 31416934.
professional, C. C. medical. (2024, December 19). Hippocampus: What’s its function? Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/hippocampus
Sheline YI. Depression and the hippocampus: cause or effect? Biol Psychiatry. 2011 Aug 15;70(4):308-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2011.06.006. PMID: 21791257; PMCID: PMC3733566.