What To Do When Recalling A Repressed Memory And Afraid Of Forgetting It?

[Tei-Saji]

Like this memory's so awful, your brain blocked it out of your conscious mind until now. But now that you've remembered it, you're afraid to lose it again. Is it natural for one to try to relive the memory in question so as to not forget? Especially for me, losing memories is scary. I remember things that I can't believe happened. And sometimes, I can't even remember recent happenings in my life. And when I do remember these recent events, I start to feel teary-eyed. I'm afraid of forgetting things. When I recall bad memories, I try to reify them in my mind so that I don't forget them. But sometimes, I keep reliving that memory and cannot keep track of the present. The present is very precious to me, but whenever I remember bad things, the importance no longer presents itself to me. Am I at a crossroads where I have to choose between living in the past, and living in the present?

 

[joeylittle]

Not at all; I would say (and this will sound very simple but probably not be so simple to do) - write them down. Just write them down in a notebook and then put the notebook away. You don't need to re-memorize your traumatic events - though I do agree it is important to maintain a hold on them.

Living in the present is (in my opinion) always the best choice.

 

[Kas_Can_Fly]

I had this and was terrified of forgetting again and that by forgetting I might put myself back in the hands of my abuser(s) - I typed all of them up as I can touch type with my eyes closed as soon as I felt able to after the flashback which was good, because my desperation to not forget and get them written down helped me ground and although barely enough, I managed to type most of them up. I'm so sorry that you're experiencing this at the moment, be gentle and good to yourself and I hope that it passes over time.