Brain damage, how do I learn to know what I don't know ?

I have been thru a lot in the past 10 years & a severe 8 mo. depression in '00, & am finally realizing I have had brain damage. I have no ins. I "am/was" smart, so I need to re-learn. I need to re-organize myself . I live alone. I'm 56. My brain still puts out a zillion ideas a minute, but I can almost burn down the house by leaving the iron to answer the telephone. Where do I go online or read a book for people who have small brain damage and need to re-learn what you can and cannot do. Right now, I know I have to finish the task I'm on, but I usually forget and get up to multi task and then calamity because I don't know what I don't know ? I would appreciate answers and not guesse please.

I know I need to go to a neurologist but when one has no insurance and is short of money because they got mentally sick with depression and thus no disablity, then life is kind of screwed. I can't see a dr. I have no money so I'm doing the best I can

This is not as strange a question as you might believe it to be. Your understanding of 'finish the task I am on' is exactly what you need to relearn to do. You are on the right track, already! When you start anything..................stay with it, until it is finished. If you MUST leave it to answer the phone, etc........take something like a sticky note, put it on your hand, and don't take it off until you remember why you have it on there. (to finish the task you were doing, when the phone rang). Put the sticky note little pads and put them in your pockets, so you always have one available to put onto your hand, immediately. (don't expect to remember to do that, later!).........It must be done, immediately, when you leave a task.

Though your attention problems were caused by brain damage, Attention deficit disorder medicines should still help you. If you don't have heart problems I suggest Ritalin/Generic Ritalin, if you do, there is now Strattera, which is a non-stimulant form. If you are espcially sensitive to stimulants (even if you don't have heart problems) you may want to go with Straterra. Even if you don't stay on these medications, they will help you relearn some habits and focus. If you decide to go this route you will have to talk to a psychiatrist to get the prescription, as Ritalin is a controlled substance.

Additional Details:
I never paid for my psychiatrist , you should be able to find one working pro bono (for free) somewhere.

You need to be seen by a neurologist AND neuropsychologist. Your short term memory could be an indication of the onset of Alzheimer's or other dementia. You do not need to go online or read a book, you need help from a specialist. I work for neurologists and a neuropsychologist. I highly recommend seeking an appointment with that type of specialist. Please.

ADDITIONAL : Call your County Health Department. They will be able to direct you to neurologists, etc who take Public Aid or otherwise perform some minor testing for free under contract with the state.