Does anyone know how to get rid of bad childhood memories? I feel like it’s destroying me from the inside out.
Bad memories : Does anyone know how to get rid... - OCD Support
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Bad memories
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Aromley_
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Have you tried talking to a therapist?
Hi
I think the only way is to treat them as intrusive thoughts i.e. let them come, let them be and let them go . Gradually, if dont focus on them, they will go. Treat them as false memories. I think maybe thats the only way if you cant see a therapist.
If they are real memories, you may have to just to forget, or forgive yourself or reason out that it was a long time ago and the past sometimes is better left alone - just accept whats happened and move on.
Here is a link that will help you deal with false memories - maybe some of the logic will also work in your case.
ocdlife.ca/false-memory-ocd...
Be well
Maxa
Also I’m kinda embarrassed to say, but it always feels better after you just cry it all out, I woke up this morning with the memories hitting me hard, and I just had to let it all out.
Thats fine, cying is what one needs from time to time - a way of letting the emotions out. Its good to cry. The past finally finds peace. Men grow old and grumpy because they dont cry often enough.
Be good
Maxs
Hi
I have done some research using a different criteria and found more sites, and some have answers on how you can treat your problem - here is an example
psychologytoday.com/blog/th...
There are more as I said - just Google 'bad childhood memories' and take your pick. Put the name of a University in front and you will end up with more educated studies. Here is another example which looks more like a study than just a psychologists opinion. The link is from the Harvard site.
hbs.edu/faculty/Publication...
You have plenty of relevant material to read now
Be well
Maxs
no worries, happy read.
If only I could answer that! But it does help to write it down. There are some things on the internet that give help on this, and there is a helpful book called Writing as a Way of Healing by Louise DeSalvo. It can be just putting your thoughts and feelings on paper, for no one else to read, or it can be a piece of literature. It is whatever you like. And keep on with the drawing, as that can be therapeutic too.
Try to think of the childhood memories without blaming yourself, but try not to wallow in self pity either, as that can make you feel worse! It can be hard to undo the damage of bad childhood experiences, but that doesn't mean you are not a strong person.
Thank you Sally, you always give great advice, and you’re right. I’m trying to realize that I can’t keep beating myself up for something that happened when I was a child, I’m 25 now but it still feels so awful to have this burned into my memory. I usually try to think all of the things I’ve accomplished growing up.
These things, childhood traumas, do burn themselves into your memory and even when you aren't consciously remembering them they influence what you do. Having been bullied by an alcoholic father when I was a child has certainly left its scars. It can leave you feeling pretty worthless. And it can lead to self-blame. Children assume they're punished or abused for a reason. The reason is of course, the adult, but the child is left thinking it's their own fault. Maybe it might help to write down all the things you've achieved, little and big. They all add up to a worthwhile person.
That’s a great idea actually, I think I’ll do that and go over it.
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