It is possible to rewire the brain from the negative emotions associated with trauma. This can make it difficult to think positively, even when you’re presented with good things.
Over time, negative thinking becomes a bad habit that’s hard to break. Studies show that rumination increases emotional distress, making you more likely to cope in unhealthy ways, such as with drugs or alcohol. If you already suffer from a mental health problem, negative thinking can cause it to last longer. When you dwell on the negatives, it puts you at a higher risk for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Here are some of the dangers of reliving traumatic memories: Painful memories have a way of creeping into our consciousness even when we don’t want them to. Of course, this is easier said than done. Every time you do this, your self-confidence takes a nosedive. It’s not healthy to keep reliving painful memories. The stronger the emotions, the more details we can recall. Researchers believe this to be the case because bad memories have a stronger interaction with our emotions. Unfortunately, bad memories tend to stick out more than good memories. So, if you experienced a traumatic event when you were young, it may become more frightening every time you recall it. This is why some of the details may change, though the memory itself grows stronger and more vivid. And as long as you visit the memory from time to time, it will stay there.Įach time you visit your memory, it becomes flexible. The more you think about a specific event, the stronger the neuronal connections become. Where Do Memories Come From?įor your mind to store memories, proteins stimulate brain cells to grow and form new connections. Fortunately, there are ways to stop reliving painful memories and begin the path to healing. Without therapy, you could end up self-medicating with drugs or alcohol to numb the pain. While self-reflection is helpful, rumination (continually thinking the same thoughts) is not. Some people go on to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or phobias. While not every traumatic event will cause a person to experience trauma in later life, some will. These memories can come from any situation that was perceived to be traumatic such as a car accident, natural disaster, violent partner or drunk parent.Įxperiences like these are more common than you think. Most everyone has at least one traumatic memory stored in their brains.
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