I'm 23. At 18 I was quick as hell: could remember pages from textbooks, recall exact conversations with people, do u-substitutions for integrals in my head, etc. Now I just feel more... dull. I can't remember anything unless I drill it in my head. Don't have the wit and scrutiny I used to have in social interactions. Have to read basic passages 3 times to understand them (got 800 on my SAT Critical Reading). Can't do two digit multiplication in my head because I forget the intermediate calculations. Meanwhile, I'm eating healthier and more active than I was at 18. What gives? I really worry that it's going to get worse and affect my career. Is it just age? Is it drinking every weekend through college? I'm paranoid that it's some medical condition, like lyme disease from hiking (I'd hike all the time and never check for ticks) or a concussion from childhood rearing its head. What kind of doctor do I even see? Can anyone relate?
Lyme disease would show more symptoms than just that. Probably related to sleep or age, but good idea to still talk with doctor about it. Don’t worry until you know it’s actually something bad.
How are you sleeping? Otherwise it sounds normal
8 hours a day
Any alcohol, weed, nicotine, or other drugs before sleep? Screen usage in the hour(s) before bed? Blue light? Eating habits immediately before bed? Have you tried to use sleep enhancing sounds?
It only gets worse as you get older.
Pretty relatable. It's only a downhill journey.
Could be stress. I have had similar experience in the past, where I wrote an email subject and forgot why I was sending it. Forgot why I opened webpages and had to constantly write down stuff “before I forget”. It’s not a good feeling. Docs answer was a simple. Reduce your stress levels. I have had to let go of pressing things at work and learn to slow down. That has helped and I remember to practice it every time I feel flustered.
How did the doc diagnose your stress levels?
Asked me symptoms mostly. It was a short meeting. Also asked me if any major changes have happened in life and work. My husband had moved to another coast for study and I was trying for a promotion at work. Although if you are concerned, there are stress hormone tests ( cortisol ) that I have heard people getting done to be sure.
I’m 25 and feel the same way. I found that sometimes I tend to not remember stuff because I’m not really paying attention at the moment. As a result, meditation and getting more sleep has helped a lot.
I think it's an effect of working for a giant tech company. We tend to get lost doing mediocre work. Are things any different in smaller tech companies or startups where you have to be sharp all the time?
this
Have you studied recently like you did when you were 18 lol
Honestly, this is what I was thinking too. Like I'm never going to run as fast as I did in high school track but that's because I was training hard.
Much harder than when I was 18. Isn’t that normal?
stop smoking weed
Actually gave up all weed and alcohol for 6 months last year. Felt no better than when I was smoking once a week and blacking out every friday night. If I damaged myself then the damage is done, lol
Wait till you are 35
#feelsbadman
Wait till you are 45 lol