Has anybody ever question whether a memory is a repressed or a false memory? About a couple months ago, I got a image of a memory that I experienced on a chat site several years ago. This image is disgusting so I won’t go into detail. For the past couple of months, I have been ruminating about how I responded to what I saw. With my OCD, the memories that I have been able to make up have only been negative, suggesting that I responded in a sexual nature. The problem is I don’t remember the memory at all but remember it at the same time. I just remember the memory being traumatic and trying to forget about it the next day. I’m unsure if the memory was repressed because it was traumatic or it’s a false memory that I am creating in my head

Thank you Simka! I have gotten better at dealing with this memory… but now new ones have come along

I still struggle on the daily but focusing on things that are important to me has really helped! When I’m able to focus on and succeed in the things I find important then the first memory gets less sticky and I care about it less. Sometimes, I just decide not to believe it!

Disregarding has helped as well

Not to give you reassurance but there is no scientific evidence that repressed memories are real... It was a very popular claim in the 80's (satanic panic) and early 90's but there is no evidence that it's a real concept... If you're interested in this topic check out Dr. Elizabeth Loftus. Evolutionary repression would be a disadvantage ... We need to remember scary stuff to evoid it in the future... Again I don't want to give you reassurance because I am also suffering with false memories and I know no matter how many time someone gives me facts or reassurance it doesn't work...