I want to forget many bad memories. How can I "delete" them?

Question

If human brain is so smart, why can we not "delete" unnecessary memories? Where is the "delete" key in our brain?

Answer 1

I can see your point and where you are coming from, but I personally don't want to forget the majority of my bad memories b/c they are a part of me and who I am now.

My first love and broken heart...that was wrenching, but I'm so glad for the experience b/c...well, I feel in a strange way blessed to have lived through it. I feel more "weathered", older and even wiser. "I'm glad I'm not young anymore."

I do have actual bad memories involving the law and so called "justice" system, and these are fueling my anger and frustration, but instead of taking my bitterness out on the cops/lawyers/judges, I'm getting involved in organizations who are wanting changes from the system, thus I'm introduced to a new world of hope and optimism and issues I would have never been so personally interested in.

Answer 2

Usally bad things or bad things happened in your life will say that you are BAD and importantly wanted to be GOOD.But that is only partially true.

In human brain there is no "delete key" as every resource ( good or bad ) is been used to construct your character of you. So forget about the "delete key"

Coming to your question you can do by

1. Overcoming
If you are a person of inferior complex, then try to do small things which will give you success and happiness. like answers others in yahoo answers;-) or helping disabled persons or orphans

2. Changing
If you are seriously want to erase the bad memories, change the current place. And prepare a " to-do list "for new year 2007 as you wish to change or live in your life. And most importantly in the new place think you are good because in the new place you do things and react to things differently( that is in a good way).

Answer 3

It is most like the scientific principle of displacement. Once your memories occupy a space in your brain, you cannot remove them without creating a vacuum that will suck something back in to replace the once occupied space. You must intentionally replace the memories. There is no "delete" key in your brain for you are much more complex than a human-made computer. Here are a couple of ideas:

First, you can attempt to alter the memory into something that is less traumatic. Intentionally allow yourself to concentrate on the bad memory and begin to look at the memory from a different perspective to transform the memory into something that is not bad. Find "the good" in the memory if it is to be found.

Secondly, attempt to replace the memory... crowd it out of your mind by living life well now. Create new memories that are good and reflect on them as often as possible. Stedman once said, "That which you give attention to, grows." Grow new memories and let the old bad ones die out by not focusing on them. If the bad memories are triggered environmentally, change your environment as a part of the process.

Believe in yourself.

Answer 4

The human brain 'can' delete bad memories--but that is not always a good thing. Our brains are capable of erasing or altering memories of bad experiences often. i.e. molestation as a child, abuse by a loved one. The problem comes when we attempt to live in the present time without the truth of those experiences. Our embrace of reality is limited and our ability to progress to the future as a healthy emotional sharing individual is hampered directly proportionate to the degree we have not embraced those experiences. A much healthier and beneficial approach is to look at and accept that something bad or undesirable has happened, it sucks, but, that does not have to be the lasting memory of that experience. You have the power available in you to make that a situation or experience that--you have overcome, been courageous through, succeeded in spite of, are thankful you didn't die as a result of, helped make you the great person you are today or can be tomorrow. You cannot have a testimony without a memory. The One Who created the human brain is smarter than the human brain. He knows we need memories, good and bad to get us where we need to go, in character and in life. Be thankful for those bad memories and live to change them into stepping stones. God bless

Answer 5

You can't delete the memories, but you can delete the pain. If you just put things out of your mind, they can come back and bite you. Don't try to forget things. Think about them. Wallow in it. You only have so much pain. Use it up. Wear it out. Your worst memories will become like something you read in the newspaper. I actually have a degree in psychology.

Answer 6

I don't think that there is a real "delete key" for your brain. Time could be your only answer. But some memories can be haunting.

But there is always lots and lots of alcohol.

Answer 7

We were designed to live in the wilderness and we can learn from many bad memories. The adrenaline rush actually helps to imprint memories into our brain. Say your ancestor was attacked by a bear, and you some how got out of it, you would need to remember what you did to get out of it.

Answer 8

electroconvulsive therapy temporarily erases memories and breaks the linkages between negative emotions and the memories that they are associated with.... most memories come back, though they feel less negative...

additionally, if you take benzodiazapenes for 10+ years or develop a thyroid disorder you won't have memory skills.

we dont have a delete button because we don't have a capacity limit.

Answer 9

you do delete memories...except it is done passively over time. Sleep is one way the brain does mental housekeeping. Also studies show adrenaline causes you to remember certain moments permanently. Certain drug companies are studying the effect of dampening adrenaline to reduce Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders so people can forget instances of severe memories.

Answer 10

Give up to Lord Jesus, He'll be delete every bad memories from you. Your brain hard drive will become like a new one.