I remember my old days as a dream instead of a clear memory. Why?

Question

Hello doctor,

I believe I have dissociative amnesia. I am unable to recall memories until the age of 13. Every now and then I remember a spotty memory but it is never concrete and when I do remember something, in my mind it seems like a dream instead of a clear memory. What could I do with this?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Memory is the most surprising thing. You remember some events so vividly while others wash out as if they never happened. The retention of things depends on our concentration and attention at that particular time, and the wish to remember it. We all forget most of our childhood memories only a few remain fresh in our conscious. Again individual variations present, but one thing I can tell you this forgetfulness is unlikely to be dissociative amnesia. Dissociative amnesia is usually followed by a stressful, traumatic event in which our mind subconsciously want to avoid. In the absence of stressor, it often does not occur. So if you have some really bad childhood memories, you may have dissociative amnesia. A detailed assessment of yours would be required for dealing with it and appropriate treatment requires some therapy sessions. Thank you.