Something happened to me when i was very young, and I have the issues that relate to it, but i honestly don't remember it. I can only suspect. I'm sure it was extremely traumatic. I can remember things from when i was two, but not when i was 3-6. Any idea how to bring this memory back so i can deal with the problem? I'm definitely ready now.
2006-07-17 15:01:22 · 11 answers · asked by Rockstar 6 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Talk to me! I might end up reminding you on accident! I'm serious, too. I'll talk to you soon... and answer your other questions. For now, I'm *Yawwwwwwwwwwwn* going to bed!
Ok I slept really hard last night. So, I'm back editing this. All right-- I strongly discourage you from seeing ANY kind of counselor, hypnosis, or shrink. Go back to the place it happened, maybe bring along some of the people that were there, spend a few days there. It may feel like deja vou (spelling) after you spend a little time there... it was like that for me when I went to my late grandpa's house in California... I started remembering things I'd never even thought of before (so I thought), and I was very young when he passed. Bring the subject up to some of the people that were there-- bring it up CASUALLY, don't guide them down a certain thought path of it, that they're more likely to remember things that really made an impression on them about it! Did that make any sense? Well, that's all I can recommend. But I'm serious about talking to me, too! I don't know if I can be of any help, but I'll try hard as hell!
2006-07-17 16:59:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Maybe instead of trying to recall the exact details/circumstances, try to access the feelings first -- what causes your suspicions - how are they manifested, do you remember feeling that way at other times in your life. Maybe by associating the feelings to other situations, it might spark a memory. Maybe the details aren't as important as the awareness that something traumatic happened, that has impacted the way you have lived your life. Look at the way things are, and how you might have directed your life if that trauma hadn't occurred. What stands in your way? The details are elusive for a reason......something in your psyche was protecting you from it. Honor that aspect by dealing with the feelings that come up. When you're ready, the details will come back if they were meant to.
I'd like to recommend a book to you - by a Jungian Analyst --
The Inner World of Trauma by Donald Kalsched. You probably will have to ask the bookstore to order it, or else go on Amazon. It's definitely worth the extra effort. When I read that book, I felt as though someone finally "got it." It was freaky. I think it may help you. I wish you well in your challenge to claim a new life.
2006-07-18 00:28:57 · answer #2 · answered by amuse4you 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forgetting traumatic events is a survival mechanism. Once you feel safe enough in your life, memories might come back naturally. However, there are many levels of feeling safe, and you can't force yourself to feel safe or ready. Relax, don't force it. Talking about the stuff you do remember with a skilled therapist can help you remember the rest. Be cautious though of people who try to tell you what happened to you. Be cautious about hypnosis too. There are many questionable practitioners out there. Seek out a professional, licensed counselor with experience in trauma issues. Good Luck.
2006-07-17 22:29:31 · answer #3 · answered by roseaustinus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the fact that you are ready is the first step. I would suggest you find a therapist who specializes in post traumatic stress disorder. Interview a couple and find one who fits for you. Decide before hand if you are more comfortable with men or women (it doesnt always matter).
Have some safe people in your personal life that are there for you because it could take a while. Look after yourself physically. Good food. Lots of sleep. Watch the alcohol and street drugs. Keep a journal or two. Some people write and draw.
God speed.
2006-07-17 22:06:58 · answer #4 · answered by Justme 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As you've said, you've chosen to forget it. The only way you can bring it back is if you choose to remember it,then you will remember.. But the fact that you can't remember it means you're still not ready to bring it back, although you only convince yourself that you are ready.to deal with it. Maybe you need a little more time.
2006-07-17 22:37:25 · answer #5 · answered by cellm8te 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go back to the place where it happened/talk to the people that might have been involved. Anything that relates to it could jog the memory
2006-07-17 22:04:57 · answer #6 · answered by Ashley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are ready, go to a psychologist or psychiatrist you feel comfortable with and trust. It might take a while to find someone like that. it should be done safely and you need to be sure that your "shrink" is not implanting non-existent memories.
2006-07-17 22:07:50 · answer #7 · answered by Zelda Hunter 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you need a medical professional to help you - the memory was suppressed to allow you to function, uncovering it will be traumatic no matter how ready you think you are.
A therapist / psychologist / etc can help you uncover and understand.
I'm not sure I would follow the hypnotist recommendation - if you believe in hypnotism it might help you uncover what you have suppressed, but it won't help you understand and integrate it into what you are.
Good luck!
2006-07-17 22:10:32 · answer #8 · answered by Pugsly 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a survival tool you have blocked that time period out of your mind. Clearly you need professional help. Probably hypnotism.
It will continue to affect all your future behavior that you don't even know that you are doing.. The suppressed stuff doesn't go away.. It comes out in other ways.
2006-07-17 22:05:29 · answer #9 · answered by Ms_E_Bunny 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go see a hypnotist.
2006-07-17 22:04:31 · answer #10 · answered by Joey 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋