can't even remember many of the details like exactly how old you were or the guys name or what you were wearing? is it normal to have just blocked all that out that you seriously cannot remember it? is it normal to deal with painful personal experiences that way to just shut them out completely?
2006-07-10 09:38:53 · 22 answers · asked by origchick 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
yes.its normal..for most very traumatic events... we ( humans ) separate the emotions from the actual fact of the event. Problem is... we still have emotional memory that will come back....and we have no control over it as we get older... It will come back when there is some 'mirroring' experience that will trigger that emotional memory. This will happen when first gettting married..or dating again...or something said or done....that is almost like the traumatic experience we had gone thru... Our mind will not really know what is going on at the time... it may come out ( in a rape victims case ) as hating men... problems with getting close to men or their mates... distrust towards men.. problems sexually towards men..etc...
2006-07-10 09:46:57 · answer #1 · answered by silverironrain 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are cases when a trauma is blocked out of memory. The memory can return in bits and pieces later, but it is best not to force it. Little details get lost even in non-traumatic memories. Try to remember what you were wearing when you saw a movie four months ago.
Your inability to remember details is likely normal. If you are still having a great deal of anxiety about it, then a therapist could help. Stay away from those who proclaim to be able to retrieve memories from hypnosis, though. You may wind up confabulating details that weren't there. It's bad enough that you had that happen to you. You don't need people helping you remember non-existant details of the experience.
2006-07-10 16:45:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this is normal, it is called blocking. The experience was so traumatic that your brain does not want to recall it. This also occurs durring child birth. Women, typically, don't remember how painful birth really is. This is a great mechanism because it allows us to continue to reproduce. It is normal to deal with memories like these in this manner. I wouldn't worry unless it really starts haunting your life, which if you are blocking it, it sounds like it won't. Sorry, and good luck!
2006-07-10 16:42:05 · answer #3 · answered by austin.montgomery 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I was abused by a grandfather when I was 11 and blocked it out for almost 4 years. I started having details coming back to be in my teens and spoke to my parents about it. I'm one of those people that do not dwell on the negative. I just don't feel the need to rehash crap and get myself depressed. I'm 30 now and have forgiven and forgot. I know it happened but it doesn't effect me anymore and I wont let it. I have better things to do with my life :) It all about what you feel you need. If you need to talk then i say go for it and seek a councilor. GL!
2006-07-10 19:26:14 · answer #4 · answered by The Kings 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's quite normal. Why would you consciously want to remember that?
The problem comes when there are issues you may not have dealt with properly which you have repressed and keep popping up in other areas where you wouldn't expect them.
A good and understanding 'therapist' could help you sort out all the things that are worrying you (if they weren't, you wouldn't be asking the question, right?)
Knowing where you are (i.e. in which country/state) would help. I could then give you a list of people you might contact. Check my profile, if you like.
2006-07-10 18:45:55 · answer #5 · answered by Owlwings 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i work with nude dancers and the reason i mention that is because all of them have been sexually abused .. yes it is normal to block it out . the brain like any part of your body doesn't like pain .when you put your hand in fire you burned your self and now you don't because it hurts right . well when you start to think about what happened it hurts so the brain tries to cover that hurt because its not just a little hurt but a lot . yet this will affect your life still whether you realize it or not . i suggest going to get help talk to a psychologist but don't stop going your going to want to because at first its going to bring up things that will hurt stick it out and work though it that the only way to put it behind you with the least amount of scars
2006-07-10 16:54:09 · answer #6 · answered by billgressman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is normal. Its a defense mechanism in the brain that helps us to cope with terrible experiences. It's called a 'suppressed memory'. The only problem is that once you block out that memory its hard to get it back.
I'd recommend seeing a psychologist. There are exercises you can do to help you regain your memory and once you uncover the memory you'll probably need help to cope with it in a healthier way.
I hope this answers your question. Good luck!
2006-07-10 16:52:52 · answer #7 · answered by Miranda M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not at all. the same thing happened to me. I was molested 10 years ago, and I blocked it out completely. I didnt remember until a few months ago, and I still cant really recall a whole lot of it. But I KNOW that it happened, and I KNOW that I just didnt want to admit it to myself. You arent alone.
2006-07-10 16:41:32 · answer #8 · answered by balique 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh definitely, not just rape, anything traumatic. It's a coping mechanism. Not sure if it's healthy though - perhaps because the memories could resurface in an unpleasant way. I would seriously consider counselling.
2006-07-10 16:42:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is completely normal, in fact it is the mind and body's way of protecting itself and helping you to get through the trauma that you have suffered, you need to see a professional who will guide you through this period of "Post Traumatic Stress", that you are now dealing with. Good Luck
2006-07-10 17:19:42 · answer #10 · answered by hiphypno 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋