Suddenly developing a dysfunctional memory can not only be frustrating, it can also be quite stressful – especially where your job is concerned. I wish I’d had the foresight to write down some of my early experiences in this area. While I know that I struggled a lot with memory problems, the selection of specific events I can remember when this happened is, unfortunately, quite small. And, although the concept makes me smile, it’s frustrating for me to write that I’ve forgotten most of what I couldn’t remember.
My first priority regarding my employment was to develop a support system that would enable me to work effectively without the luxury of short term or working memory. My memory needs included not losing track of tasks for the day, referencing the content of meetings, conversations and phone calls, and utilization of research results in the resolution of issues or problems I was working on.
One of the first tools I employed was a pocket-sized notebook. The problem there was remembering to write anything on it, as well as remembering to look at it later to see if I’d written anything. I quickly learned that sticky notes were a much better tool for me than the notebook, but conditionally so. These conditions included sticking them only where they had relevance and limiting them to one or two if possible, and three at the most in any one location – with my limited attention span, I wouldn’t see the trees for the forest if there were any more.
Outlook is a standard business tool across many industries. The scheduling and custom reminder tools it provides were an excellent resource while I was at work. I used it not just for meetings and task scheduling, but as a general reminder tool for anything I needed to remember. For example, once I got into occupational therapy, one recommendation was to take a ten to fifteen minute break every couple of hours, sitting quietly, to help reduce the symptoms of brain fatigue I was dealing with. It was recommended that I include this time in my schedule with a reminder so I would remember to take the breaks. Tasks, breaks, phone calls I needed to make…anything that needed done would find its way into my schedule.
Outside of work, I relied on Google for its calendar and reminder tools. The ability to say, “Ok, Google. Remind me in twenty minutes to…” was an amazing tool for me. Nothing to write, nothing to read, just say it and wait for the audible alarm with a reminder of what I was supposed to do. If you prefer to use it, there is the Google Calendar app. It’s just as flexible and functional as Outlook but it’s a free app. I also found the Microsoft ToDo app for my phone, another great tool in my toolbox.
My favorite, and possibly best tool was suggested by my occupational therapist. A simple 8 ½” x 11” whiteboard now sits next to my keyboard at my desk. To avoid losing the memory of a key part of a phone conversation or a drop-in visit from a coworker, I use this board. When I think of something I want to keep on my radar, whatever the reason, it goes here. At home, there is one on my computer desk and one hanging next to my front door. These have been invaluable tools for me. Going through life with a poorly functioning working memory would produce much different results without tools like this.
Beyond tools, we often need to develop new habits to support the way our brains work now. For example, one of my pitfalls initially was the impromptu hallway conversation that would all too often leave me with an action item that I either needed to do or make a note of when I got back to my desk. Before the injury, I did this all the time and it worked… not so now. I’ll walk away from the conversation with the best of intentions only to get to my desk and completely forget the conversation that just happened. I’ve learned to pro-actively deflect hallway conversations with a gentle reminder along the lines of, “I’m unlikely to remember this by the time I get to my desk, so if you need something from me, please email me and I’ll get it done.”
Developing habits and tools to supplement a dysfunctional memory can put things within reach that wouldn’t otherwise be reachable for many TBI survivors. If you have any other tools or habits to suggest, or lessons learned from personal experience, please share them with all of our readers in the comments section. Thank you!
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