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Memory issues and attention issues: Managing ADD and GAD

Posted by BoneHead @stsopoci, Jul 10 5:17am

First issue, I have always had issues with attention to anything. I know that my Dad would say “look at me” and then slap our face. I spent years trying to figure out why I don’t look at people when they talk to me.
Next issue, My memory of people’s names and all other talk is very poor because my thought go screaming away from any conversation. This issue I have spent my working career constantly aware of and closely listening and writing down everything. I’m retired and 76 years old and still working on my ADD and GAD.

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edsutton | @edsutton | Jul 10 11:25am

"Only handle it once" is a paperwork management rule. If at all possible, open it, read it, act on it and file it. Don't set it aside or stack it.
Now I try to do the same in my daily life. Complete one task at a time. Pick it up, put it away.
When you place something, take a moment to look at it and say "Here is the little screwdriver in the top drawer (or whatever it is)."
I feel a bit of gratitude when I finish little tasks. It feels good.
I'm trying to avoid "memory clutter," and it seems to help.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 10 12:21pm
In reply to @edsutton ""Only handle it once" is a paperwork management rule. If at all possible, open it, read..." + (show)
@edsutton

"Only handle it once" is a paperwork management rule. If at all possible, open it, read it, act on it and file it. Don't set it aside or stack it.
Now I try to do the same in my daily life. Complete one task at a time. Pick it up, put it away.
When you place something, take a moment to look at it and say "Here is the little screwdriver in the top drawer (or whatever it is)."
I feel a bit of gratitude when I finish little tasks. It feels good.
I'm trying to avoid "memory clutter," and it seems to help.

Jump to this post

Hi Ed - I am getting better at only handling once, paperwork is a snap, but my art projects often need time to dry or I need to walk away and come back. Unfortunately, a lot of times the "come back" gets delayed - for example, I walked away from an unfinished watercolor 11 days ago, and the clutter is all still on my sunporch.
On the other hand, everything from a weeklong camping trip with our grands has been washed, dried, folded and put back, and all consumables in the camper are replenished. And all the "leftovers" in the laundry room/pantry have been stowed where they belong.

We have been teaching the grands the joy of putting things away so they can find them next time (and so I don't step on Legos, markers or Hot Wheels) Three of them are putting away their toys from a morning of play here so they can move on to another house with more cousins, a splash pad and water guns. They are really happy when they return and all their stuff is where they expect it to be.

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gloaming | @gloaming | Jul 10 1:00pm

I find that the old To-Do lists work well. I leave one on my computer keyboard, and it's there to nag at me as I slink into the room to spend some time on line. The secret is to make the list short, only two or three chores, they have to be relevant to oncoming events or deadlines, and they MUST be accomplished that very day. If you're smart, you get on it and do each item before noon so that you can goof off, feeling satisfaction and smugness, for the rest of the day and evening.

Organize your 'stuff'. Put similar things in one drawer or cupboard so that you don't have to move half the garage or shed looking for one, or one like it. Adhesives, caulk, and tapes in one tote or cupboard. All wrenches, pliers, sheers, and scissors in another. Plumbing and garden watering items, gaskets, hose bibs, clamps....all in one container or on one shelf.

None of this is hard to do, and it doesn't take more than a few hours twice a year to muck the space out and get everything put back where it belongs. This makes you feel good, that you've accomplished something. It's like defrosting the freezer, or cleaning the fridge (including the cooling coil and evaporator tub), or doing the dryer vent and hose...they have to be cleaned at least once a year...absolute!

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 10 2:25pm
In reply to @gloaming "I find that the old To-Do lists work well. I leave one on my computer keyboard,..." + (show)
@gloaming

I find that the old To-Do lists work well. I leave one on my computer keyboard, and it's there to nag at me as I slink into the room to spend some time on line. The secret is to make the list short, only two or three chores, they have to be relevant to oncoming events or deadlines, and they MUST be accomplished that very day. If you're smart, you get on it and do each item before noon so that you can goof off, feeling satisfaction and smugness, for the rest of the day and evening.

Organize your 'stuff'. Put similar things in one drawer or cupboard so that you don't have to move half the garage or shed looking for one, or one like it. Adhesives, caulk, and tapes in one tote or cupboard. All wrenches, pliers, sheers, and scissors in another. Plumbing and garden watering items, gaskets, hose bibs, clamps....all in one container or on one shelf.

None of this is hard to do, and it doesn't take more than a few hours twice a year to muck the space out and get everything put back where it belongs. This makes you feel good, that you've accomplished something. It's like defrosting the freezer, or cleaning the fridge (including the cooling coil and evaporator tub), or doing the dryer vent and hose...they have to be cleaned at least once a year...absolute!

Jump to this post

We put these tasks, like changing filters, cleaning vents, etc on our Google calendar along with our appointments, once a year bills, trips & outings, houseguests, etc. That way we both see it and it gets done.
Our refrigerator gets a full cleaning every autumn when we prepare to go south and so do my garden shed, sewing/craft room and pantry/laundry room. Wish I could say the same for the garage but that's not my realm

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 10 2:53pm

Hi @stsopoci, I added attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to the title of your discussion. You've probably developed many skills that you continue to rely on today because of ADD and GAD.

I was reviewing this discussion you started a little while back:
- I’m slowly not able to remember where and what I’m doing daily.: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/im-slowly-not-able-to-remember-where-and-what-im-doing-daily/

Did you go for a memory test? Any update?

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BoneHead | @stsopoci | Jul 10 9:23pm

I went in the last time and scored 100% right. I went in earlier and scored less than 50%. It’s inconsistent daily and I have always had this day by day issue. I taught school at high school level in the 70’s and then went into IT for 31 years where I put everything on the computer so I could remember. I guess it’s got me through life so I’m going to not worry so much unless I start losing where I’m supposed to go.

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