Question about my memory- Is it normal? If not why?

Question

I have a question about my memory-

I don't remember much of anything from before 3rd grade- I may have two memories max. 4-6th grade is really blurry and my only real recollections start from 7th grade onwards. Is it normal for me to remember close to NOTHING about my childhood before the age of 8. If not, why do you think this is happening? Also, could it be memory suppression? If yes, how can you bring it back?

Answer 1

This is probably normal. If you do have repressed memories, a psychoanalyst can help you remember these.

Answer 2

It is normal for people to remember nothing before a certain age in early childhood. Certain areas of the brain having to do with long-term memory have to be developed and ready before you can integrate long-term memories. Some of these areas have to do with language development. Language helps you develop names and categories for experience, which helps you store the memories.

I knew a guy who had memories of his infancy. He turned out to be a brilliant adult. For me it was age 4. Before that, total blank. For you, it was age 8. Is your case normal? I would say it's not rare at all, and it probably has no significance for your future maturity or success.

I think you're in good shape, a perfectly normal human being now with all mental powers fully engaged. The fact is you've got long-term memory fully developed now, so the question now is, are you actively learning and preparing yourself for the rest of life? Other than that, I'd say your inability to recall any memories before age 8 isn't significant, unless you have misgivings about that. I don't think you'll find those memories, though. If they weren't integrated back then, they probably aren't there in the neurons.

Answer 3

I'm only a Junior in high school, and I can't really remember anything before half-way through ninth grade, when I changed schools. It's the most annoying thing, because I'll be talking to a classmate, and he/she will bring up some thing that I did, and I will have absolutely no memory of it.

Answer 4

Yes its possible that something triggered your mind into forgetting before or around the third grade.Must of been something so traumatic that you have erased it from your memory.I don't know how to bring those memories back to you but a therapist might help. I know its hard for you but SOMETHING did happen if you cant remember just one thing in your life before then. Get help if you are that concerned.

Answer 5

Hey don't feel bad, I don't really know the answer to this one but i cannot even remember my childhood yet alone last year....Only things that have stayed in my mind...is those that have shocked me..or something memorable.

Answer 6

yeah dont feel too bad..i cant remember my childhood clearly either..and i have a hard time remembering numbers...i think u need to ask a real expert on that question anyways..
best of luck!

Answer 7

I believe you're normal.

There is a type of hypnosis that can help with buried memories, If you really feel the need to go there.