Memories forgotten Due to Anxiety

I was in counseling today and my counselor asked me about me remembering a time in my childhood and I said I can’t remember any and she said that’s due to my anxiety. Can this happen and is it possible for me to remember?

[Indigojoe]

It happens to a lot of us.

Anxiety puts us on high alert, and that system doesn't access memories.

After you calm down and are comfortable and relaxed, memories can come back.

[Hidden in reply to Indigojoe]

Well I've had anxiety for a long time. So, when I was in preschool around 3-4 they tried to take me out of the classroom I was in with my younger sister and I cried until they put me back into the same class with her. So, for some reason at such a young age I developed anxiety and I don't know why. None of my younger sisters have had this disorder.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Hidden]

That must have been a very traumatic experience and it stuck with you.

[Hidden in reply to Dolphin14]

Maybe. But it’s also other stuff that I can’t remember. My counselor had asked me about the fondest memory of my dad and our interaction urging that and I couldn’t remember. But my dad is a great dad and works 12, 13 hr days and works very hard. so there’s nothing traumatic that happened with him but for some reason I just can’t remember parts of my childhood. And on top of that I was also diagnosed with ADHD

[Dolphin14 in reply to Hidden]

The first anxiety attack I remember was in first grade.

Mayb you were just so anxious during the appointment you couldn't think. Can you answer the question about your dad now?

Sometimes therapy is so overwhelming it's hard to keep up. Then you go home and come up with the answer when you have calmed down a bit.

If you can remember the answer now then bring that to the start of your next session.

You do remember your dad was a great worker. Those were long shifts he worked. Do you remember doing fun things with him? Or was he always busy at work. Not saying this is bad, obviously he had to work.

[Hidden in reply to Dolphin14]

Well I told my counselor today I’ll let her know next week so I can kid of look through. But my dad does work a lot but my mom stayed home with us as kids and they will celebrate their 29th wedding anniversary in January. But there were some hard times that my family had to deal with when I was a kid and both my brothers started becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol. I mean I remember he took us to Disneyland when i was young but I still don’t remember the interaction between me and him. But almost every night he gives me a hug and tells me good night and that he loves me.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Hidden]

Congrats to your parents on their upcoming anniversary.

Bring it all back to therapy and see what comes out of it. I have been in therapy for a few years now. I'm amazed at the childhood stuff that has come out.

I'm glad your dad tells you he loves you. I never had that. Those words mean so much.

Keep up your therapy work. I'm sure you will find answers and do well.

[hypercat54 in reply to Hidden]

Hi I can remember little from my childhood too and this was due to depression mainly but also some anxiety. I can remember up until about the age of 7/8 but afterwards most of it is just an intense feeling of darkness, loneliness, emptiness and heaviness. That's how I know my depression started at around that age. It was never picked up even though I had other issues such as not being able to make friends, do schoolwork, or concentrate on anything. I didn't realise and get treatment until my 20's. x

[Arlene99]

How long have u been having counselling can I ask, and have u found it helpful?

[Hidden in reply to Arlene99]

Yes I have found it extremely helpful and it’s been about 1.5 years

[Want2BHappy3]

It's True anxiety affects your memory, anxiety puts so much Stress on the brain that it can't Focus and process what's happened. I've experienced block outs when I'm having to deal with stressful situations. I'm looking for a new doctor to get Medication for my anxiety and depression.

[Cat33]

Yes I'm sure it can

Anxiety is a funny old thing and can play a lot of tricks on us

I'm sure at home more relaxed the memories will come back to you

If they are happy ones why not write them down

Please don't worry xx

[antianxiety]

I have no memories of my childhood were as my sibling have allot.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

I just have snapshots of occurrences. I envy people who can name all their teachers and fellow students. I remember my general feelings about that time, but not necessarily external events and other people. Sometimes things come up in therapy but I think I’ve looked at as much as I can for the moment. I’ve always been self absorbed and introspective. Hence handle on feelings.