Brief Answer:
State dependent memory- see below...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

I read your query in detail and can understand that it can be confusing when we cannot recall events from our own life. The term mental/nervous breakdown is a broad term and it would really help if you could provide more details regarding:

- what happened (as told to you by others)?
- any diagnosis that you received?
- any details of treatment?

Generally, different disorders manifest differently. For example, if you have psychotic breakdown, there is a high chance that you won't recall most of the things that happened during the episode. This happens due to a phenomenon called state dependent memory. In this, you are able to recall the events only if you are in the same state of consciousness. Once you are over that particular state of mind, the memories generally goes our pre-conscious and are difficult to retrieve.

I agree with your therapist that you just have to realize that those can't hurt you now and you have to stop worrying about it.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Best wishes,

Dr. Sunil Gupta

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Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Yes, the questions that you ask are accessible on the healthcare magic website. Seems you are hesitant discussing your problems here. But then, none of your identity is disclosed. You can also put a question without your name or with pseudonym to allay any apprehension.

Hope you will be able to ask what you have been wanting to. Please feel free to send the follow up query.

Regards,

Dr. Sunil Gupta

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Brief Answer:
Yes, it is possible

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for following up with hour query. I sincerely do appreciate the fact that you have decided to go ahead and ask a question which seemingly is very sensitive for you.

Sexual abuse is a very traumatic event for any person, both physically as well as psychologically. There is a definite chance that a person can go on to develop symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which might include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety symptoms, etc.

Such symptoms can be highly distressing for a person and I can understand your reluctance talking about it. But it is definitely recommend that you discuss regarding it with your therapist so that proper treatment with medications or cognitive behavior therapy can be instituted.

I sincerely hope you get well soon. I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask. If not, you can close this query and rate the answer.

Best wishes,

Dr. Sunil Gupta

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