Every time you remember something, the memory changes a little bit. If you realize that even after deliberately thinking about the memory it still has the power to hurt you, then try a different method for getting rid of the bad memory. Observe your emotions as you repeatedly recall the memory. In some cases, thinking about a bad memory can become a little obsessive.Whatever happened - people laughing at your embarrassment, or a dangerous situation you endured - is in the past. Try to take comfort in the fact that the event causing the memory is over now.If the memories become heavier on your mind then get on a long walk or do any exercise briskly. Eventually, you'll just stop thinking about it so much, and when you do, it won't be painful anymore. Keep thinking about it until it loses its sting. Instead of pushing it out of your mind, let yourself remember what happened. Your impulse might be to avoid thinking about it as much as possible, but trying to suppress the memory can give it more power when it does pop back up in your mind. The first few times you remember something bad, it might catch you off guard and leave you feeling anxious and deflated. Think about the memory until it loses its power. If avoiding triggers isn't feasible, either because there are too many of them or you resent giving the memory that power, there are other ways you can deal with the memory. Of course, not all triggers are entirely avoidable, and maybe you don't want to have to change your route to work, or donate your collection of science fiction books, or stop listening to your favorite band just because the last time you saw them live was the night your ex told you he was ending the relationship.You'll have fewer reasons call it up, and as you keep living life you'll replace the bad memory with more important thoughts. If you're able to completely avoid the things that trigger your bad memory, it might eventually fade out of your mind.If you start taking a new route to work in the morning and avoid the street where your school is, you can keep your mind bad-memory-free a bit more often. For example, maybe your bad memory is related to an incident that happened at your elementary school, and you recall what happened every time you pass it. Do you notice yourself getting blindsided by your bad memory when you go certain places or are around certain things? Maybe you haven't realized that they're what's triggering your memories. This article has been viewed 1,032,262 times.Īvoid objects and places that trigger the memory. This article has 22 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. WikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. She is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is the author of “Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety” and “Dr. Chloe completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York and her clinical training at Lenox Hill Hospital and Kings County Hospital. She has also instructed undergraduate courses at Long Island University and has served as adjunct faculty at the City University of New York. Chloe specializes in relationship issues, stress management, self esteem, and career coaching. With over a decade of psychological consulting experience, Dr. Chloe Carmichael, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who runs a private practice in New York City. This article was co-authored by Chloe Carmichael, PhD.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |