Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?

[RingOfFire]

Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?

--Tennessee Williams

[CrazyGirl2]

Yes, I’m a psych major. Not only that, but did you know that every time you remember an event, you only remember the event itself once, and that’s the very first time you think of that event… every time after that you merely remember the prior memory! I mean, is your mind blown or what? 🤯

Laura 🤗 🥰

[RingOfFire]

Is there a way to erase a memory?

[CrazyGirl2]

Sure, emotional trauma can cause repressed memories. There are drugs that can prevent the creation of new memories. Gabapentin is one which can cause inhibition of new memory formation, and also obviously Rohypnol and Ketamine do that! in fact both are renowned as “date-rape” drugs because they not only prevents formation of NEW memories, they erase between 20 to 60 minutes of memory prior to ingestion. Hypnosis has proved somewhat effective in repressing memories. And lastly a severe impact to the head can cause memories to be erased.(amnesia)
However, if you have a memory that is causing you pain, you cannot just “erase" that! The only effective thing you can do is learn the tools that will allow to process that painful event, to work through it, and get to point where the memory no longer causes you pain. It’s not “getting over it” quite the opposite! It is learning to deal with your trauma, so that it no longer causes you pain. Conversely, you learn to recognize when the trauma IS going to affect you negatively, and utilize the tools you were given my your therapist, to get through that negative event with a minimum of trauma, it may be upsetting, but perhaps you didn't have a panic attack this time, which is huge progress. Desensitization can also be highly effective. You tell your story of trauma over and over so it no longer has that… detrimental effect. You repeat the story enough that the event looses it’s power over you. Eventually your therapist will tell you your own story, and as you hear it, it will not cause you to react as you would have before you began therapy. “forgetting” or “erasing” a traumatic memory, will not reduce the negative effects it has on you! It’s a bandaid, whereas CBT, (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) teaches you to deal with your trauma in a healthy way, so that it no longer has its’ negative power over your life!

I really hope this helps.
Good luck.
Laura 🤗 🥰

[RingOfFire]

Thank you doctor.

I'll pass on the severe impact to the head, but the rest of it is quite interesting.

[CrazyGirl2]

Well, TBH I threw that in as a little humor. However, it definitely WILL erase memories. But nobody wants brain damage! Other than that, I really hope the rest was at least of some use to you.

[RingOfFire]

I'm just happy to know you have a sense of humor. 🙂

[CrazyGirl2]

I do try… Not everyone appreciates it, but I still try every now and then.

[MisterWack]

Damn, now this is just a memory when you think about it….

[Dongie]

Yep, but it was fleeting.

[RingOfFire]

Precisely!