My Memory Lane

How can you get rid of bad memories?

I have been having memories of something bad that has happened. It just came suddenly I forgot all about it until now. Is there anything that I myself can do to get rid of them without seeing any professionals?

Public Comments

1. Make some good memories. That'll push out the bad ones.
2. u won't get rid of them. They will always come back .. But always remember they are gone forever. A that will never happen to you again.
3. Write them out, one at a time, and let yourself have the emotions that go along with them. Then put the writing away, or shred it. Have a heart to heart conversation with yourself, being kind, self-supportive, and forgiving (if that's appropriate). Remind yourself of all of your good qualities, and use any negative experience as a chance to learn and grow. Negative experiences help people to develop compassion, and the world needs a lot of that.
4. You don't want to get rid of them. Those memories have helped to make you who you are today. You want to be able to remember these events without having an emotional response to them. The best way to accomplish this goal would be to see a counselor. However, since you don't want to see one, I suggest you find people willing to listen to you tell the story over and over again, until it no longer bothers you. Find some stuffed animals to talk to as well. I know that sounds funny, but the more you talk about it, the less it will affect you.
5. Memories will always resurface. Replacing them with "good" memories will not push them away forever. The bad ones will have another turn--they will come back. Trying to force them away will only make you think of them more often. Memories on their own, are only replays of past events. What distinguishes good memories from bad memories is how we perceive them. The best way I found to help with "bad" memories is to either find a way to see them as good memories or work through the parts of them that hurt, so that when they return I kinda think... "Oh, it's you again... well I am not bothered by you". I had a therapist once who told me that she would know when I was doing better when I could talk about my worst traumas as if I was telling a story about going to the park. When I could tell the story without breaking down or appearing distraught about them, she'd know I was progressing. I've been through a lot, and I know a lot of people say that. This is what worked for me. I do not think I could have done it without councelling since I was so convinced there was nothing good about my life or memories at the time. I simply could not find a way to make the things that happened to me "okay" in my own mind with the thoughts my mind produced in regard to them. I needed the help of someone objective who could guide me along. I strongly suggest councelling even though you've said you do not want that. Other than that, I suggest a very good book on Trauma and getting over it, ironically it's called "I can't get over it.--A trauma survivor's handbook". It's written by Dr. Aphrodite Matsakis.
6. You may be suffering from a mild form of PTSD.... I'm sorry but I could say make some good memories to chase the bad ones away. it's not that easy. You need to get to the bottom of the bad memories you are having flash backs from...a true professional can handle that for you. Look for some free clinics in your town or nearbytown. Good luck to you.
7. In order to relieve bad memories, you need to discuss them with someone. Then you claim them and they lose their power over you. This is done best when you speak to a professional. They have experience with these kinds of things. They can offer you information that will help relieve the stress from the memories. Do not worry about the stigma of seeing a professional. I heard a comedian say that only the SANE people are in therapy. The rest are still wrestling with their own demons. Why do you think we have so many unhappy people in the world?
8. have you been trying to get rid of them? has this worked? ...maybe watch the memories instead, think something like 'welcome, bad memories, you are currently making life miserable..' and perhaps they will fade, & maybe even vanish, on their own.