repressed memories

I read one time that that is the Japanese approach.

So . . . what? We should just stuff it down forever?

i'm not big on leaving that stuff lie forever undigested, but i don't got any letters behind my name, either...



rockhead phd.
(nope, don't even sound right)

I've read articles that agree with you, Dys.

There has been much written about repressed memory seeking, pro and con and, no doubt, in between.
I simply don't know, myself.

On myself, I do have flash memories but they are usually benign, or memorable for some comeuppance, like Mrs. McNulty yelling at me..
I think I've been spared, or I am repressed as hell. This is not to make light, I figure coping mechanisms for real trauma are complicated, and I'm not a psychologist. There certainly are accusations of psychologists feeding a repressed memory scenario for various reasons. On the other hand, it is probably a common coping behavior. I dunno.

Your point that repression can work, I do see that point of view - while I also see the airing view, given the memories are spot on.

You aren't going to live forever.

Well reasoned!

What's well reasoned?

I'll be bald,
dys is working up his point of view.

I agree totally. Also, there's nothing wrong with being in denial about certain sorts of things. *

There are certain things, in fact, which I remember and wish very much that I could repress. No, it will not make me a better person to dredge up stuff that's better off unrecalled.

*That particular idea (re: denial) was mentioned to me once by, believe it or not, a psychotherapist.

so Diane doesn't get to talk?

You wrote ...

My statement wasn't meant as a sarcastic remark but an earnest statement.

Many new theories claim that memory and forgetfulness (or in this case repression) is an evolutionary step to help a individuals to surpass certain tragedies or painful events. The developed neurological talent to repress those memories obviously wouldn't be a positive thing if one lived forever as these negative memories are bound to arise in a hypothetical immortal individual.

Figuratively speaking, time heals all wounds,
BUT the wound must be clean for this to occur.
That involves bringing it up to the surface, in my experience.

Maslow's theory.

i console myself with this simple mantra "i was only following orders"

A misconception about repressed memories, is that the person is always aware they exist. Some repressed memories exist in a state where person can recall details, but only as if it was story told to them. In this case, they are aware of the memory, but experience it in second or third person. In other cases, the person may be completely unaware of the memory at all. Probably due to an absence of people or reminders of the memory around them.

T
K
O

absolutely agree.

The whole notion of "repressed memory" is a myth, based on half-baked Freudianism and foisted on the public by charlatans, cranks, impostors, and their easily gulled dupes.

I started this thread following a discussion I had with the Lady Diane when she asked me why I didn't have PTSD even though I had been in combat. I responded that I decided many many years ago to forget (repress) those memories and whatever memories I did have were about someone else, certainly not the me I am today. I quite firmly believe that this "repression" is mentally healthy and does not in any way indicate avoidance of history that I should rehash over and over again. It is all best if forgotten.