When it comes to childhood trauma, your brain mayrepress memoriesas a coping mechanism. Throughout adulthood, you might feel something is not right and not know why. This article discusses signs and symptoms that indicate you may have repressed memories from childhood trauma. It also reviews other possible reasons for these emotions or behaviors and ways to cope.
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Trauma and Memory
Your brain processes and stores memories. Over time it decides which to keep, delete, suppress, or repress.Stressand fear can cause your brain to vividly remember events to protect you later in life. However, the brain can also repress or push traumatic memories aside, allowing a person to cope and move forward.
Memory WarsThere is a long-standing debate about the validity of memory repression. A review of research shows that this controversy, which is sometimes referred to as the “memory wars,” is still controversial in the scientific community today. Most researchers today believe that it is rare to completely forget trauma that occurred after early childhood and that “recovered memories” are not always accurate.
Memory Wars
There is a long-standing debate about the validity of memory repression. A review of research shows that this controversy, which is sometimes referred to as the “memory wars,” is still controversial in the scientific community today. Most researchers today believe that it is rare to completely forget trauma that occurred after early childhood and that “recovered memories” are not always accurate.
All About the Different Types of Amnesia
Causes of Childhood Trauma
Traumas experienced as a child are also calledadverse childhood experiences(ACEs). ACEs may leave emotional scars that can cause repressed emotions to emerge as an adult.
ACEsSome ACEs include:Verbal, physical, or sexual abuseNeglectAlcoholic parentsMental illness of family membersAbandonment of a parent (divorce, death, or prison)Severe childhood illnessLearning disabilitiesExtreme bullyingRefugee traumaNatural disasters
ACEs
Some ACEs include:Verbal, physical, or sexual abuseNeglectAlcoholic parentsMental illness of family membersAbandonment of a parent (divorce, death, or prison)Severe childhood illnessLearning disabilitiesExtreme bullyingRefugee traumaNatural disasters
Some ACEs include:
Almost half of the children in the United States are exposed to at least one ACE throughout their lives.
Signs and Symptoms
The following signs may be ways that the emotional impact of childhood trauma can present. These symptoms may occur or worsen during stressful times.
Abandonment issues may result in the following behaviors that may affect the quality of your relationships:
Fear of Abandonment ExampleAbandonment issues may leave you feeling like you are overreacting to someone important leaving for short periods. For example,you may feel anxiouswhen your partner goes out to dinner with friends for the evening.
Fear of Abandonment Example
Abandonment issues may leave you feeling like you are overreacting to someone important leaving for short periods. For example,you may feel anxiouswhen your partner goes out to dinner with friends for the evening.
How to Cope With Childhood Trauma
Recognizing your emotions is a great first step to start the healing process. Finding a licensedmental health professionalwho provides a supportive environment is one of the best things you can do to help better understand yourself.
The following are types of therapy that can help with the impact of childhood trauma.
Benefits of Behavioral TherapyBehavioral therapy can provide tools to help you with:RelaxationTrustRegulating difficult emotionsCoping strategiesProblem-solving
Benefits of Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can provide tools to help you with:RelaxationTrustRegulating difficult emotionsCoping strategiesProblem-solving
Behavioral therapy can provide tools to help you with:
Coping Strategies Outside of TherapyWhile undergoing treatment, you can also attendsupport groups, practice mindfulness, journal, and learn coping strategies through self-help books and podcasts.
Coping Strategies Outside of Therapy
While undergoing treatment, you can also attendsupport groups, practice mindfulness, journal, and learn coping strategies through self-help books and podcasts.
Other Reasons for Repressed Memory
Other psychiatric reasons for memory issues include:
What Is Dissociative Amnesia?An inability to recall information related to personal traumas is sometimes called dissociative amnesia. Dissociative memory loss can affect a specific part of a person’s life or significant parts of a person’s identity.
What Is Dissociative Amnesia?
An inability to recall information related to personal traumas is sometimes called dissociative amnesia. Dissociative memory loss can affect a specific part of a person’s life or significant parts of a person’s identity.
Childhood Trauma’s Association With DementiaEvidence suggests an association between childhood trauma and a higher risk ofdementia. While trauma may not cause dementia, it can aggravate symptoms such as memory loss.
Childhood Trauma’s Association With Dementia
Evidence suggests an association between childhood trauma and a higher risk ofdementia. While trauma may not cause dementia, it can aggravate symptoms such as memory loss.
BPD SymptomsWhile this is not a comprehensive list, symptoms of BPD include:DissociationExtreme emotionsDistrustDistorted self-imageChronic empty feelingReckless behaviorsSelf-harmingSuicidal ideations
BPD Symptoms
While this is not a comprehensive list, symptoms of BPD include:DissociationExtreme emotionsDistrustDistorted self-imageChronic empty feelingReckless behaviorsSelf-harmingSuicidal ideations
While this is not a comprehensive list, symptoms of BPD include:
The Meaning of Escapism in Psychology
Summary
Childhood trauma can cause a variety of emotional problems in adulthood. When you experience childhood trauma, your brain may repress details of the memories or the emotions associated with them as a coping mechanism.
It’s best to seek treatment from a licensed mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist so they can help you identify your emotions and patterns of behavior.
A Word From Verywell
Understanding what is going on with your emotions is the first step in healing. It’s always best to seek treatment with atrained mental health professionalif you are struggling with the impact of childhood trauma. They can help you work through your feelings, form better relationships, and enjoy a fulfilling life.
Mental Health HotlineIf you or a loved one are struggling with repressed childhood trauma, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Mental Health Hotline
If you or a loved one are struggling with repressed childhood trauma, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Frequently Asked QuestionsChildhood trauma may leave emotional scars that last into adulthood.Although it is unlikely that you will have completely forgotten significant trauma experienced during childhood, details or repressed emotional reactions might return as you talk to your therapist about other events.Learn MoreWhat Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?Trauma should be processed slowly in a safe and supportive environment with a mental health professional to gain coping strategies to use if and when trauma memories emerge. A mental health professional’s goal will be to help you identify and process your emotions rather than asking you to relive traumatic events in a way that retraumatizes you or overwhelms you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Childhood trauma may leave emotional scars that last into adulthood.
Although it is unlikely that you will have completely forgotten significant trauma experienced during childhood, details or repressed emotional reactions might return as you talk to your therapist about other events.Learn MoreWhat Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Although it is unlikely that you will have completely forgotten significant trauma experienced during childhood, details or repressed emotional reactions might return as you talk to your therapist about other events.
Learn MoreWhat Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Trauma should be processed slowly in a safe and supportive environment with a mental health professional to gain coping strategies to use if and when trauma memories emerge. A mental health professional’s goal will be to help you identify and process your emotions rather than asking you to relive traumatic events in a way that retraumatizes you or overwhelms you.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Otgaar H, Howe M, Patihis L et al.The return of the repressed: The persistent and problematic claims of long-forgotten trauma.Perspectives on Psychological Science. 2019;14(6):1072-1095. doi:10.1177/1745691619862306Johns Hopkins University Hub.Study: Nearly half of U.S. kids exposed to traumatic social or family experiences.Palo Alto University.Childhood trauma and its effect on adulthood.Horizons Clinic.Signs you might have repressed unresolved trauma from childhood.Gooden Center.Adjustment disorder.Rodriguez LM, DiBello AM, Øverup CS, Neighbors C.The price of distrust: Trust, anxious attachment, jealousy, and partner abuse.Partner Abuse. 2015;6(3):298-319. doi:10.1891/1946-6560.6.3.298National Institute of Mental Health.Psychotherapies.American Psychological Association.Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: What is exposure therapy?American Psychological Association.Clinical Practice Guidline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).Cleveland Clinic.Dissociative Disorders.Cleveland Clinic.Dissociative Amnesia.Burri A, Maercker A, Krammer S, Simmen-Janevska K.Childhood trauma and PTSD symptoms increase the risk of cognitive impairment in a sample of former indentured child laborers in old age.PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e57826. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057826Cleveland Clinic.Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder).National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline Personality Disorder.Springer KW, Sheridan J, Kuo D, Carnes M.The long-term health outcomes of childhood abuse: an overview and a call to action.Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2003;18(10):864. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1497.2003.20918.xTalkspace.How to identify & release repressed emotions.Additional ReadingKascakova N, Furstova J, Hasto J, Madarasova Geckova A, Tavel P.The Unholy Trinity: Childhood Trauma, Adulthood Anxiety, and Long-Term Pain.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(2):414. doi:10.3390/ijerph17020414.Michigan ACE Initiative.How To Recognize If Your Childhood Trauma Is Affecting You As An Adult (& How To Heal).Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 57. Rockville, MD: HHS Publication; 2014: Chapter 3.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Otgaar H, Howe M, Patihis L et al.The return of the repressed: The persistent and problematic claims of long-forgotten trauma.Perspectives on Psychological Science. 2019;14(6):1072-1095. doi:10.1177/1745691619862306Johns Hopkins University Hub.Study: Nearly half of U.S. kids exposed to traumatic social or family experiences.Palo Alto University.Childhood trauma and its effect on adulthood.Horizons Clinic.Signs you might have repressed unresolved trauma from childhood.Gooden Center.Adjustment disorder.Rodriguez LM, DiBello AM, Øverup CS, Neighbors C.The price of distrust: Trust, anxious attachment, jealousy, and partner abuse.Partner Abuse. 2015;6(3):298-319. doi:10.1891/1946-6560.6.3.298National Institute of Mental Health.Psychotherapies.American Psychological Association.Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: What is exposure therapy?American Psychological Association.Clinical Practice Guidline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).Cleveland Clinic.Dissociative Disorders.Cleveland Clinic.Dissociative Amnesia.Burri A, Maercker A, Krammer S, Simmen-Janevska K.Childhood trauma and PTSD symptoms increase the risk of cognitive impairment in a sample of former indentured child laborers in old age.PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e57826. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057826Cleveland Clinic.Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder).National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline Personality Disorder.Springer KW, Sheridan J, Kuo D, Carnes M.The long-term health outcomes of childhood abuse: an overview and a call to action.Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2003;18(10):864. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1497.2003.20918.xTalkspace.How to identify & release repressed emotions.Additional ReadingKascakova N, Furstova J, Hasto J, Madarasova Geckova A, Tavel P.The Unholy Trinity: Childhood Trauma, Adulthood Anxiety, and Long-Term Pain.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(2):414. doi:10.3390/ijerph17020414.Michigan ACE Initiative.How To Recognize If Your Childhood Trauma Is Affecting You As An Adult (& How To Heal).Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 57. Rockville, MD: HHS Publication; 2014: Chapter 3.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Otgaar H, Howe M, Patihis L et al.The return of the repressed: The persistent and problematic claims of long-forgotten trauma.Perspectives on Psychological Science. 2019;14(6):1072-1095. doi:10.1177/1745691619862306Johns Hopkins University Hub.Study: Nearly half of U.S. kids exposed to traumatic social or family experiences.Palo Alto University.Childhood trauma and its effect on adulthood.Horizons Clinic.Signs you might have repressed unresolved trauma from childhood.Gooden Center.Adjustment disorder.Rodriguez LM, DiBello AM, Øverup CS, Neighbors C.The price of distrust: Trust, anxious attachment, jealousy, and partner abuse.Partner Abuse. 2015;6(3):298-319. doi:10.1891/1946-6560.6.3.298National Institute of Mental Health.Psychotherapies.American Psychological Association.Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: What is exposure therapy?American Psychological Association.Clinical Practice Guidline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).Cleveland Clinic.Dissociative Disorders.Cleveland Clinic.Dissociative Amnesia.Burri A, Maercker A, Krammer S, Simmen-Janevska K.Childhood trauma and PTSD symptoms increase the risk of cognitive impairment in a sample of former indentured child laborers in old age.PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e57826. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057826Cleveland Clinic.Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder).National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline Personality Disorder.Springer KW, Sheridan J, Kuo D, Carnes M.The long-term health outcomes of childhood abuse: an overview and a call to action.Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2003;18(10):864. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1497.2003.20918.xTalkspace.How to identify & release repressed emotions.
Otgaar H, Howe M, Patihis L et al.The return of the repressed: The persistent and problematic claims of long-forgotten trauma.Perspectives on Psychological Science. 2019;14(6):1072-1095. doi:10.1177/1745691619862306
Johns Hopkins University Hub.Study: Nearly half of U.S. kids exposed to traumatic social or family experiences.
Palo Alto University.Childhood trauma and its effect on adulthood.
Horizons Clinic.Signs you might have repressed unresolved trauma from childhood.
Gooden Center.Adjustment disorder.
Rodriguez LM, DiBello AM, Øverup CS, Neighbors C.The price of distrust: Trust, anxious attachment, jealousy, and partner abuse.Partner Abuse. 2015;6(3):298-319. doi:10.1891/1946-6560.6.3.298
National Institute of Mental Health.Psychotherapies.
American Psychological Association.Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: What is exposure therapy?
American Psychological Association.Clinical Practice Guidline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
Cleveland Clinic.Dissociative Disorders.
Cleveland Clinic.Dissociative Amnesia.
Burri A, Maercker A, Krammer S, Simmen-Janevska K.Childhood trauma and PTSD symptoms increase the risk of cognitive impairment in a sample of former indentured child laborers in old age.PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e57826. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057826
Cleveland Clinic.Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder).
National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline Personality Disorder.
Springer KW, Sheridan J, Kuo D, Carnes M.The long-term health outcomes of childhood abuse: an overview and a call to action.Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2003;18(10):864. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1497.2003.20918.x
Talkspace.How to identify & release repressed emotions.
Kascakova N, Furstova J, Hasto J, Madarasova Geckova A, Tavel P.The Unholy Trinity: Childhood Trauma, Adulthood Anxiety, and Long-Term Pain.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(2):414. doi:10.3390/ijerph17020414.Michigan ACE Initiative.How To Recognize If Your Childhood Trauma Is Affecting You As An Adult (& How To Heal).Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 57. Rockville, MD: HHS Publication; 2014: Chapter 3.
Kascakova N, Furstova J, Hasto J, Madarasova Geckova A, Tavel P.The Unholy Trinity: Childhood Trauma, Adulthood Anxiety, and Long-Term Pain.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(2):414. doi:10.3390/ijerph17020414.
Michigan ACE Initiative.How To Recognize If Your Childhood Trauma Is Affecting You As An Adult (& How To Heal).
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 57. Rockville, MD: HHS Publication; 2014: Chapter 3.
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