Although it can be difficult to remember a lot of details from your childhood, most people have certain emotional memories or moments that stand out from growing up. However, people that experience traumatic events in childhood may have more trouble remembering the event itself and things associated with it. Even as adults, people who have been through trauma can still subconsciously block out memories to protect themselves from pain.
Even when certain memories are repressed, they can still affect the person causing them to feel anger, anxiety or depression. When people block out memories of traumatic experiences such as abuse, recovering those memories can help them deal with problems they are having in the present. People may start remembering traumatic experiences on their own or a therapist can help bring those memories to the surface.
Recovered memories can be triggered by certain events, people or situations that remind the person of their past trauma. They may suddenly recall feelings or details of their trauma that they hadn’t thought about it years. Although it can be terrifying and painful to suddenly remember traumatic events such as abuse, ultimately recovering memories can be healing and cathartic.
When a person begins to remember more of their childhood and brings up repressed memories they can start to have a better understanding of their current problems. Many feelings that a person goes through in the present can be directly tied to childhood trauma or things they experienced while growing up. Therapists will be able to play a key role in helping a patient remember more of their childhood and all them to understand how to resolve their emotional trauma.
Our childhood often shapes who we become in the future and remembering trauma and working through those emotions can reduce issues like anxiety, depression or anger problems.