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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Why can't I remember my childhood?
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Why can't I remember my childhood?
by ladyisis, Nov 29, 1999 12:00AM
I can remember just certain parts of it. Not enough to say "when I was 4.... or when I was 8.... or when I was 16.... I remember my Prom Night.
I know I should remember most of it. I try very hard to remember but I can't. I sometimes wonder if something may have happened when I was younger. It's a terrible thought.
I grew up with many restrictions, parents were very strick, but that's OK. I have sisters who ask don't you remember that day or when you did that...
I would like any assistance or every an idea of why I can't remember. I am an intelligent person. I know there is something, but I am at my wits to know what it is that blanks my mind.
I know I should remember most of it. I try very hard to remember but I can't. I sometimes wonder if something may have happened when I was younger. It's a terrible thought.
I grew up with many restrictions, parents were very strick, but that's OK. I have sisters who ask don't you remember that day or when you did that...
I would like any assistance or every an idea of why I can't remember. I am an intelligent person. I know there is something, but I am at my wits to know what it is that blanks my mind.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS-M.D-H.G, Nov 30, 1999 12:00AM
Ladyisis,
Memory impairment can occur due to several reasons like medical and psychiatric illnesses (depression, anxiety, dementia etc). Even normal day to day stress can cause problems with memory. It is difficult for any person to remember each and every aspect of their life. If you think it is affecting your social and occupational functioning, you may need to get an evaluation by a physician to rule out any medical factors contributing to the problem. Once the medical causes are ruled out, you may consider consulting a Mental Health Professional. Good Luck
Memory impairment can occur due to several reasons like medical and psychiatric illnesses (depression, anxiety, dementia etc). Even normal day to day stress can cause problems with memory. It is difficult for any person to remember each and every aspect of their life. If you think it is affecting your social and occupational functioning, you may need to get an evaluation by a physician to rule out any medical factors contributing to the problem. Once the medical causes are ruled out, you may consider consulting a Mental Health Professional. Good Luck
Member Comments (2)
by Donna, Jul 31, 2000 12:00AM
I have the same problem of not remembering much of my childhood. Part of the cause for me is blocking out the abuse I suffered from certain family members. Another part of the cause is blocking out the pain and guilt I felt after my mother died of heart disease when I was thirteen years old. (Un)fortunately, much of my buried memories come out in my dreams at night. This can be good/bad, depending on whether or not I am having a nightmare. I struggle between wanting to reclaim my memories and wanting to distance myself from that part of my life. I have moved past the self destructive phase that I dwelled in for so many years. I don't know if any of this helps anyone, but I wish you luck in your search.
by Donna, Jul 31, 2000 12:00AM
I have the same problem of not remembering much of my childhood. Part of the cause for me is blocking out the abuse I suffered from certain family members. Another part of the cause is blocking out the pain and guilt I felt after my mother died of heart disease when I was thirteen years old. (Un)fortunately, much of my buried memories come out in my dreams at night. This can be good/bad, depending on whether or not I am having a nightmare. I struggle between wanting to reclaim my memories and wanting to distance myself from that part of my life. I have moved past the self destructive phase that I dwelled in for so many years. I don't know if any of this helps anyone, but I wish you luck in your search.
