I see my memories of past constantly in my dreams. I don't know if these can be classified as repressed memories. Because of this I'm unable to sleep. I'm afraid to sleep anymore. Insomnia is killing my day by day. I'm depressed all the time. Please help me!
Ask Free Question
Hi, Practice mindfulness to alleviate anxiety caused by bad memories. Mindfulness is a practice used to switch focus to the present moment, and research shows it can help relieve anxiety. With mindfulness, you acknowledge the bad memories as they come up, then mindfully choose to switch your focus to the present. In this way you can interrupt the negative thought process. To practice mindfulness, try focusing on physical sensations you feel in the present moment. Notice the temperature of the air or the pressure of your feet against the ground. Focus on the physical feelings until you're able to stop thinking about the bad memories. You can also practice mindfulness by repeating a positive statement to yourself. Try telling yourself" I don?t have to think about that right now. Recall the bad memory in detail. Set a date and time to try exposure therapy. When you're ready, sit down and think about the event or situation. Try to remember every detail of it from start to finish. Think about what you were wearing, the sounds you heard, the smells in the air, and so on. Continue to sit with the memory for as long as you can. Self-guided exposure may be most effective if broken down into several sessions. You may sit with the memory for just five minutes at first, noticing that you are still safe despite bringing up these painful thoughts. You might increase the time you spend thinking about it each day until you notice yourself not responding as severely as before. Over time, the memories will affect you less and less. If you are having trouble doing this exercise in your head, grab a pen and a notebook and write down the details of the event from beginning to end. Writing a draft may be good enough for a first session. The next time you might read it aloud. If you have to stop due to crying, then always pick up where you left off. If things progress well, you will feel stronger and require fewer breaks each time you read over details of the event. Don't hold back the emotions associated with these memories. Shout, pound on the floor or cry if you have to. Just let the feeling into your conscious mind. Soak it up, absorb your grief or sorrow. Consult a psychologist for help.
Take help from the best doctors
Ask a free question
Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors