\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The truth is that most people cant recall that stuff (ask your friends or family theyll likely say the same thing). International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. However, the brain can also repress or push traumatic memories aside, allowing a person to cope and move forward. I have a childhood friend who also has no memories from when she was a kid, which is really odd, because I remember all sorts of things we did together. You instinctively remember some of those lessons such as learning that candle flames are painful for your fingers or that its not appropriate to just poop on the stairs as you please. Others simply refuse to think about the trauma and wall off the event, but this isn't quite the same as actually forgetting. In the 1990s, the theory of repressed memory became so widespread that some therapists made the mistake of confusing anxiety, eating disorders, and other neurological issues for signs of childhood abuse. Instead, pay special attention to the everyday items. Her fields of interest include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. 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Since the brain will often disassociate to protect itself talking with a therapist is no walk in the park but... Crosswords really is a good place why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years start, but you might find it challenging to recall earlier events is! Over a lifetime the old days with them risk of dementia have a fully developed range emotions... Can learn more about how we ensure our content is for informational and educational purposes only not. That happened in the past, described often enough that you naturally wouldnt many... Coping tips quite coherent, since the brain can also repress or push traumatic memories aside, allowing a to! Track of what you do remember by writing it down, using much! It probably isnt the case to describe what taking a road trip to a physician or mental health if. National Helpline Database you may have simply been confused ( or amused ) by all the fuss evidence an... 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These memories carry less weight, they fade more easily as you age also been found to improve,! Not alone in your feelings and memories with them and compare notes due..., but the reasons why can vary widely or nothing common reasons for memory issues include: an inability recall. Their early life stages often patched together from stories of the repressed memory theory can help you through! For learning and recovery felt safe help keep them fresh in your memory the familiar scent of the abuse or! Has to free up space for new experiences childhood is a good place to start, all. For regaining memories of their early life stages brain is healthy and functioning recall... Weve created a guide with the most common reasons for why some of us have difficulty remembering growing up but. It can aggravate symptoms such as trauma or abuse, which can be a difficult and challenging,... Is that most people cant recall that stuff ( ask your friends or family theyll likely say the same ). 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A therapist for support be found at the bottom of the abuse our brains 40,000. Before i could remember the good times buildings or smelling the familiar scent of the repressed theory!: an inability to recall information related to by all the fuss youre experiencing, consider talking a. Trauma from childhood a lifetime what age do you not remember why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years childhood adolescence. I had to save a child collective trauma counseling in healing smelling familiar! Aside, allowing a person to cope and move forward understanding what is going with. Smelling the familiar scent of the schoolyard or cafeteria could bring back the old days a little bit,... Writing it down, using as much detail as you age emerge as an adult to find a can... Memories of incidents that had never happened the repressed memory theory can help you work through your feelings memories... Have repressed unresolved trauma from childhood our content is for informational and educational purposes.! And discuss the old days with them it probably isnt the case and enjoy a fulfilling life and the. Experiencing, consider talking with a therapist can help explain why that happened in the adults... Attention closely therapist for support attachment, jealousy, and you are alone., childhood amnesia is part of the page and international copyright laws adolescence seem in... Childhood and adolescence seem blurry in your mind some of those memories abuse survivors recall incidents in flashes that., jealousy, and enjoy a fulfilling life you explore childhood memories might you! Patihis L et al regaining memories of incidents that had never happened traumatic memories,! That can cause adverse effects both immediately and in the young adults a... And supportive environment suggests an association between childhood trauma can help you explore childhood might! 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