How do I keep my past from haunting me?

[Anonymous]

There are bad memories and stupid things I did in my teenage years that keep haunting me. These are memories that could have made my present life worse and memories I wish I could forget. They keep replaying in my head. I feel like I need miracle psychology that I could be over these bad memories. Suicide would be the easy and wrong way out.

[Oliverlogan263]

Dude, don't even stress about stuff from your past. Literally everyone has regrets and dumb things they did as a teenager. That's just part of growing up, ya know? The best thing you can do is forgive yourself and move forward. Don't let those memories control you - you're in charge of your present and future, not the past.

When bad thoughts come up, try replacing them with positive affirmations. Tell yourself you've learned from mistakes and now you make better choices. Do nice things for yourself too, like your favorite hobby, listen to music that lifts you up, meditate. Finding ways to feel good now will help drown out those old memories over time.

And definitely don't deal with it alone - talk to friends, a counselor, your pastor/imam, whoever you trust. Getting things off your chest lightens the load. Focus on living your best life each day instead. The past can't hurt you anymore unless you let it. You got this man - just keep pushing ahead. Happier times are still ahead!

[bededazzle]

there are a lot of things you could try. if it’s traumatic memories, anything from traditional therapy to magic mushrooms could make a difference. my main suggestion is always to start with acceptance. accept that you have the memories and they are painful. they are part of you but not all of you. try something else before suicide—therapy if you haven’t.

[butterly248]

As someone who is struggling with the past herself, I understand how hard it is. I depend on alcohol, binge eating, and self-harm to cope.

Suicide would be the easy way out, yeah, but I don't think that's the answer for either of us. I'm in therapy and on anti depression meds. I know it is going to take years for me to get better.

Please stay safe and don't give up hope yet ❤️

[ThrillSeeker01]

Hang out with people more.

[MissBoogus]

What u do

[Asker]

Being gullible for one thing. I feel like I can never forgive myself for it.

[bededazzle]

dude, that is something you should EASILY forgive yourself for. For one thing, you didn't hurt anyone, except maybe yourself. Also, how would you ever learn and grow if you didn't make mistakes? It sounds like you are being unreasonably hard on yourself.