repressed memories

I was wondering, is there anyway of getting back memories that you've repressed?

My mom says that I've repressed most of my childhood and teen years. I started noticing several years ago that I really didn't have very many memories. This really bothers me. My T says that "my closet is full" and that I'm at my breaking point because I've repressed so many things and my mind is like an over stuffed closet and everything is about to come bursting out. I just want to remember my life, the good and the bad. Maybe I'm not ready for it, maybe I'll never remember, maybe someday I'll just explode - who knows.

i don't have an answer for you. i hope that you can pull things up and put your mind at ease. xoxo pat

I don't know anything about repressed memories, either. I hope you get what you need.

((((((((((((((((coco))))))))))))))

LOL You won't explode, so don't worry about that. Memories have a way of coming out when you least expect it, but if you want to have some kind of control over the process, ask your T if she practices hypnosis or knows someone that does. That way, there's someone controlling which memories you are ready for. Sometimes they just come out, but your subconscious has a way of letting out the most important ones.

I was semi-hypnotised so that I could remember some aspects of my childhood.

No you won't explode. It may feel like it though. Your mind is very powerfull and knows what you can take and not take. Be patient with the process.

Take care.

place

I understand where you're coming from. I have so very few memories of both the good and the bad, my mother decided to type up a few good memories for every year of my life so that I would have something to smile about once in a while. The others are right (from what I've heard) about the memories. Does your t have experience with hypnosis therapy? Mine has told me that when the time comes, it's something I might consider. Something you might ask about.

ryan

I have repressed memories, too. There are good times I'm missing, too and a pyschologist told me it's because bad times were mixed in those time periods and my mind had to repress it all to survive.

I agree with the others about asking your T about regressive hypno therapy. Ask your therapist and don't go to a hypnotist on your own. It takes healing to get to the point you can remember what happened and still stay healthy.

January

(((coco)))

I dont know anything about repressed memories. I just wanted you to know that I have read your post and want to support what your going through. I do agree with one of the previous posts. I do believe your mind is very powerful and you will remember things in time.
Take care.

Sweetie, I'm 55 and am still working on the repressed memories, the brain knows how much to release your T will know what to do , (((((((((Hugs)))))))) if you want them
Angie

A bit odd that I am reading this thread today. My Mom just told me about a dream she had about my biological father. I casually said that it was a repressed memory and that she would be okay. I can remember at least one thing from every age of my life. None of it is of my homelife though. All pertains to school stuff. Some good mostly bad memories.

I can't believe so many people responded with hypnosis. I have been wondering forever if that would be useful to me. Maybe I got my answer here.

Today, I discussed with my "T" a story I had written about learning how to ride a bike. My Mom read the story. Her response was, "How did you remember all of that." I thought my writing was a work of fiction. Some part of me remembers it all I guess.

Hi, I'm new.
I too have suffered from repressed memories.
I didn't know I had them till in therapy some amazing emotions came up.
On my way home from the therapy session a scream worked it's way up through my throat and out my mouth....
in a split second I saw it all...
some very old memories.
so for the rest of my life, since that revelation, I have been working with a therapist I trusted.
on the good side, I have changed and grown.
I know my memories were worked through.
Ganesha

<font color="green">I had repressed a lot of memories -- recently realized that I still have a whole year mia. Since the memories I had repressed dealt with specific time periods of abuse and my mother had started the abuse when I was a toddler, I didn't trust. I had to reach a place of trusting someone before I was able to remember. We never used hynosis but did use EMDR. My memories started coming back as dreams then as flashbacks. There may be more memories to resurect but I feel I have remembered most of what I needed to recall. My therapist says we remember when we are strong enough to remember and feel safe enough to work through the memories.</font>

I have repressed memories too. I didn't start recalling them until I was 29 years old. I still have new flashbacks 16 years later. I have also heard that you don't remember until your mind feels safe. Keep working with your therapist the overwhelming feelings will subside as the memories begin to poor out.

i walked through the living room one day and saw a woman on the Phil Donahue show explaining exactly what had happened to me....i was blown away. i was 40....it all became very clear then.......

I don't remember anything about my childhood. Not the good parts and not the bad parts. I feel that my mind is protecting me from something that is too hurtful for me to remember. At 12, I was already an adult. It's as if I have never been a child.

I still do that as an adult. I block things as I move on that are too painful, probably to help me to cope. I do that without releasing I do it. I guess I have learned that as a child.

If you really want to remember, hypnotism would be good but as the others have said make sure you are with someone you can lean on and trust when you will do that.

Take good care of yourself!
nightdream

Just my opinion....I'm NOT a fan of hypnosis. I feel strongly that our brains will allow us to remember when we are emotionally ready. Our brains are WAY smart and will protect us and take care of us if we let them. Through therapy over time memories can come back on their own.

Emmy

Em, are you referring to full blown hypnosis, ir the kind that just relaxes you?

Ry