Why can't i remember my childhood/past?!
Question: Hello there, i am 25 and have a slight problem that seems to be reacurring as im getting older? i cannot remember my childhood or most things while growing up. i remember slight things but only the odd thing and it is driving me mad as its just like a picture in my head then goes but that is it after 25 yrs and only having a few memory's isnt good is it, now im finding myself in embarresting situations when ppl say hello or rememeber me and i havent a clue who they are. is there anything i can do to get my memory back just so i can have something other then a picture in my mind.......... sorry if this doesnt make sence... thank you
Answers: Your question makes perfect sense.
You don't state the following but one of the main reasons for your symptoms are most commonly associated with some childhood trauma, In these cases when you move away from this enviroment your mind devises a "copeing" stratergy where it can subconsiously block out your childhood in part or full for many years to allow you to get on with life the clips you describe are signficant in these cases you could in effect call them flasbacks where you see only what you are able to cope with then they go to return the same way. They seem to be occuring more frequently now as you get older as you are more able to deal with a little of your past, your memories will slowly come back as you gradually become more able to deal with the trauma. As for you not remembering ppl this is due to the copeing stratergy which has been errected. In this instanstance you can just return the greeting and if they continue to chat follow their lead and listen probably gaining some insight to whom they are by what is said, If not dont be afraid to say hi and tell them you're really sorry but you just cant place them.
From what you say you show all the signs of having suffered some kind of childhood trauma. As you are now having flashbacks i would advise you strongly to visit your Dr. and tell them exactly what you have said here. They will recognise your problem and should refer you to a counsellor who will work with you at your own pace and discover what the root cause of your problem is.
Unfortunately there is no fast way around this process and the length of time it takes to reveal the root cause will to a large extent depend on how much you are able to say and remember.The counsellor will be trained to pick up on things you say which to you may seem totally insignificant but are infact crucial bits of information. Gradually a full picture of events will emerge and with the help of your counsellor you will find a way that's right for you to accept what occured and move on gradually u will be able to remember all and the ppl who at present you cannot place.
My response may not be what you expected to hear however, i have to give you my opion as i see too many ppl whose problems began exactly as you have described .
Please see your Dr as soon as you can,
All the Very Best.