Emotional memory loss refers to the dulling of memories tied to strong feelings, often positive ones. In the chaos of narcissistic abuse, the brain prioritizes survival over joy, pushing emotional memories into the background. This trauma can create a numbness that makes happy memories feel distant and muted, almost like a black-and-white photograph.
The constant exposure to sadness, anger, and fear makes it difficult to access warmth and connection, leaving you feeling like a shell of your former self. Yet, as you heal, your mind fills with vibrant colors again, and the canvas of your memories is restored. This makes the healing process worthwhile.
Number four: Short-Term Memory Loss.
Short-term memory loss is common in narcissistic abuse survivors. It becomes hard to retain recent information, making you forget what someone just said or why you entered a room. Narcissistic abuse triggers constant stress and anxiety, keeping the brain in survival mode (fight, flight, or freeze) and disrupting its ability to store short-term memories.
You may struggle to follow conversations or remember small tasks because your brain is preoccupied with emotional turmoil. Everyday details become hazy, making it hard to focus or stay organized. This “memory fog” is tied to the shrinking of the hippocampus, a brain area critical for forming new memories and connecting them with emotions.
Number five: Infantile Memory Loss.
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