Sufferer Can Repressed Memories Surface Years Apart?

[Lisaverdi]

Hello,
I am a PTSD sufferer new to this forum. I had blocked memories of childhood sexual abuse surface 8 yrs. ago, at which thine my PTSD symptoms went through the roof (although I wasn't diagnosed until a year later). I've been in various types of therapy ever since & have made a lot of progress. I resolved the abuse issues within my family & repaired those relationships about 3 years ago. However, I still have many symptoms & the constant feeling that there are still more memories that have not yet surfaced. (I grew up in a large extended family in a chaotic environment - no shortage of other potential abusers). One question to the group:
Has anyone ever had childhood memories surface in separate waves? Eg. some incidents one year, then unrelated incidents/different perpetrators years later? Can this happen?

 

[RussH]

As you know we are not professional therapist, or Doctors on this forum; just people affected by PTSD like you.
To answer your question-yes. Suppressed memories can, and do resurface at different stages in you healing process. I think, and it is just an opinion, that your mind, your psyche, knows when you are ready to emotionally deal with a memory that has been suppressed.
When you reach that place, then your mind will allow the memory to surface so you can deal with it.

Again this is just my opinion, and I am sure others will weigh in on this subject.

 

[Suzetig]

I agree with @RussH, my experience has been that different memories have surfaced at different times over a long period of time. For me it feels like once I have one thing "resolved" something else pops up - which is infuriating but is something I see as protective in that I couldn't have dealt with it all at once.

The danger is though that you go through life worrying about memories you don't have that may or may not surface. Try to let it rest, in the knowledge that if there is anything there, you'll remember in your own time. Again, this is purely my opinion based on my own experience. Others may well differ and I'm by no means an expert.

 

[intothelight]

Welcome! :)

Memory is complicated, and personally I have had memories resurface (both good and bad) over many years. It is a good topic to bring up with your therapist.

 

[ladee]

I can only share my own experiences. Yes, and like was said, when I could handle it, whether I thought I could or not, I always did. And welcome to the forum! Excellent that you have reached out with a question. You are safe here.

 

[Rumors]

Very much so it came in waves. Just when I thought it was over and I had remembered everything, BOOM something else came. Sucks. I'm not sure why it doesn't that, but it has happened like that for me. I think you just have to let things come as they will and don't push knowing them. I wish you well. It can sometimes come from left field and knock you over. Hang in there!

 

[LisaVerdi]

Thank you so much everyone! I've never really had PTSD peers to talk to. It's nice to know that it's not an unheard of phenomena (I'm not crazy) & I do believe anything remaking will only surface when I'm ready.

 

[Deleted member 28403]

From personal experience memories can resurface, I've had a bulk memory loss for years before being triggered into getting them back, which also unleashed a lot of hell, as before that I mainly didn't remember

 

[sun seeker]

Certainly, I have had this happen. And it's a good thing too, that they don't all come at once. If you have the feeling that there is more, I strongly suggest looking for a good trauma therapist if you don't have one already. You deserve not to go through this alone.

Welcome to the board!

 

[Powder]

Yes. It has been established that traumas surface in fragments, not chains. So you only deal with one aspect at a time. When several fragments surface together, the overall situation is more clear. Other times, there is a solitary image, and the mystery remains as to what it means.

My traumas are spread out over early childhood. The more spread out, the more this kind of thing happens.


That feeling you speak about: knowing that there is more, is a familiar one. I'm sorry because for me that is tinged with dread. I've found that I can let go of my fear of what will surface knowing that I can process it with courage and support even though it will be a painful process. It seems only natural there is some anxiety about what will surface in the future and how it will affect me and my family.

 

[Deleted member 28403]

@Muse
What about a huge branchour, from a certain spot in time, to near to that event stuff

 

[Powder]

I'm sorry. I don't understand your post.