Advice.

Hi there I am moderator here, and in my experience bad memories often come up and dont go away on there own. It is worth seeing a counsellor. I am sure you can call the number on this site and ask for one. Has anyone else had any experiences like this?

Perhaps the different level of harm or insult of the memory/dream/thought to the sufferer, is the main point. We all react differently and have different tolerances.

Often if they are just pushed away they resurface as they are a sign something needs to be done about it .. which is why counselling is a good idea.

Dont go into counselling blindly .. if you are concerned .. do your own homework .. but a therapist is worth trying .. a stitich in time saves nine.

@Former-Member, @LooneyToones agree with @Appleblossom, not to go into counselling/therapy blindly. In my experience, it can definitely make things worse, and while in the long term there can be some promise of improvement, that can be a very, very long term. It comes down to a balancing, I think, of how bad things are now, how much worse they could become, and how much you have to lose if they become worse, versus some promise of improvement in the future, taking into account the fact that it may well take several tries before you find a counsellor/therapist that is actually helpful to you.

My pdoc today told me that these bad memories were normal, everyone has them. As I posted before I am able to just tell them to go away, it works but they come back. I am trying to forcibly replace them with some positive memories. I think it is helping.

Hi all

I dont have any memory of my childhood from before 8 years old. As I was subjected to abuse including some sexual from my father I suspect it has something to do with that. I just recently spoke to a pyschiatrist when I had a review on my meds and he said sometimes remebering is not the best thing and its up to me to work out if I want to recover those memories. At the moment I'm a bit scared to delve into it and because my father is dead now I dont know if it would help or just create more pain. But as everyone has stated he also said if you do want to recover those memories its best to have a therapist in that field.

I also used to have this issue of bad dreams and kicking and punching in my sleep etc which caused a lot of issues with my partner as I have nearly punched him in the face. For me the act of being pyhsical in my dreams was caused by my meds. I had some REM problem thata my body didnt paralyse when I went to sleep so I would actually act out my dreams. Once I switched meds this stopped happening, dont get the dreams as much but thats probably because the meds are helping as well.

@Change123

Interesting you say you've no memories prior to 8 years of age. I do (back to 3 yrs), but I have specific times that I cant recall at all. But I have no memories of sexual abuse, just emotional and physical abuse.

Also interesting that your meds caused your violent acting out of dreams. I hadnt thought of that, but since I've been on medication, on and off, for 30 years, I'm not sure if they all would have caused this.

Like you, I'm a bit reluctant to delve especially when I'm coping comfortably - not sure it would really solve anything, and besides I have other very positive things to focus on, like becoming a first-time grandmother.

Thanks for your input and good luck with your ultimate decision.

LT