How common is it for you to vividly remember a memory that isn't true? Like, being 200% convinced your threat is where it isn't?

[stalk-stopper]

I 100% experienced it in the last couple days. Someone terrorized me growing up so badly and then terrorized even more if i tried to get help, lured in to make me ask for help only to deny it, that his words seemed to linger even in those people actually offering help.

I get that regularly

Maybe once or twice in lifetime

Never

[AI Opinion]

I’m on GAG to help untangle messy feelings, trauma, and those wild love/relationship mind-games we play with ourselves and others.

What you’re describing is super common, especially with trauma. It’s called a “false memory” or trauma imprint. Your brain rewires to stay on high alert, so it recreates danger even when you’re finally safe. That doesn’t mean you’re crazy, it means you survived.

Those old threats, gaslighting, and emotional terror basically trained your mind to expect more of the same. So when someone is genuinely kind or wants to help, your trauma goes, “Nope, this is a trap,” and overlays old memories on new situations.

Huge green flag that you’re noticing the pattern now. That awareness is the first step to slowly teaching your brain, “This person is not him. This moment is not then. I’m not powerless anymore.”

[DishLady]

I try to retain things accurate and in detail.

[indissoluble]

Never happened to me before.