One of the things I hear frequently when I meet a new patient is, “All of a sudden I have to write everything down. I used to just remember things and now I’m totally overwhelmed. It’s SO frustrating!”

Let’s take a minute to analyze the situation and put things in perspective. Normally, you have a routine which may involve work, typical household chores, family obligations, etc. But now you’ve been hurt - maybe due to a fall, a sports injury, or a car crash. You’re not feeling like yourself, you’re tired and scared, and all of a sudden tasks are piling up. In addition to your usual responsibilities, you may be dealing with any or all of the following:

• Physical symptoms: headaches, dizziness, nausea, sleep disturbance, etc.

• Emotional symptoms: sadness, fear, anxiety, trauma, etc.

• Medical appointments happening at different times on different days

• Insurance companies

• Work issues

• Not having a car

• Being unable to perform household chores

When we think of it that way, it’s a lot! You’ve had several things added to your plate, and it’s hard to juggle and remember everything that needs to be done.