Question Missing: Memories?

Thornyrose · #1 30-06-2008, 02:59 AM

I wondered if anyone else has problems with their long-term memory. I don't mean the memories surrounding a specific traumatic event - I mean a period of many years which should reasonably be recalled but aren't.

(I have only a small handful of memories from my childhood although much of what happened to start the PTSD off happened later on).

I know from what I do recall that it wasn't exactly a rosy upbringing, but even so, surely I should remember stuff like whether we ate dinner at the table, or if we ever did stuff as a family? TV shows, birthdays or something?

I've been told that the memories being blocked is a symptom of PTSD so wondered if anyone else has the same sort of problem?

Answers on a postcard please!

Hollow · #2 30-06-2008, 03:37 AM

Sorry to ask, but I just wondered what you meant with "answers on a postcard"?
Aw..I feel like a dumbass for asking, but I'm new to this.

I believe I can count my childhood memories on one hand..and spare a finger or two! I am currently working hard on this with my therapists, but it's hard.

The incidents which I believe are the reasons for my CPTSD happened later on, from age 12 and up (I think...), so I find it somewhat strange that memories prior to the incidents are gone...

She Cat · #3 30-06-2008, 06:10 AM

I don't remember much of my childhood either. Some of what I do remember I wish I could forget.

Jet · #4 30-06-2008, 06:23 AM

I have a time-line. I know when a few things happened. There are a few things I remember such as school teachers and such. But actual memories...not really.

My brothers are the same way. My older one said not long ago that although he knew we did not have a great childhood he wondered what could have been so bad that made us all forget.

nie · #5 30-06-2008, 06:23 AM

I have virtually no memory of my childhood.

Thornyrose · #6 30-06-2008, 09:19 AM

Quote:

My brothers are the same way. My older one said not long ago that although he knew we did not have a great childhood he wondered what could have been so bad that made us all forget.

My siblings have said similar things; they have no real memories of being a child, but that they don't know why. We don't ever talk about it, except once when my sister and I were drunk a few years ago, and once a little while ago when she asked me what sort of food we ate and if we ate at the table. (I have absolutely no idea).

I don't want to 'go fishing' for memories if they are going to be sh*t but at the same time I feel like a partial human being because I effectively don't have a childhood...

And for the person who asked about 'answers on a postcard' its a way of saying I have no idea but would love to hear from someone that does! (Its an old BBC thing I think!)

FlameTachiku · #7 30-06-2008, 09:23 AM

Most triggered periods of time are lost, for me. I have snap shots--or things in my environment to tell me what time was like, something written, a family story...Time-lines are impossible for me, too much empty space. I avoid situations and conversations that make me feel like a freak. It makes me so sad sometimes.

Obsidienne · #8 30-06-2008, 10:58 AM

I only have vague memories of anything before I was 10 years old. I think this type of forgetfulness is common in people with PTSD as depersonalization is one of the coping methods we use.

judyandsus · #9 30-06-2008, 01:17 PM

I have missing memories from my whole life. Things from last week aren't even a memory. Since learning I had PTSD only a few years ago but do to my childhood I just figured it was due to Dissociation. I may be right might not be

Judy

ga yankee · #10 30-06-2008, 01:26 PM

I had most of my childhood missing until the PTSD reared its head (I'm delayed onset). After I started having flash-backs, I started remembering more of my childhood. I still have a large chunk I cannot remember but I'm learning that it will come when it's ready. I tried forcing it but that made things worse. Now I go with the flow more.