HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How To Deal With Traumatic Memories?

default
Posted on Thu, 31 Jul 2014
Question: yes. thank you. I am an adult survivor of sexual abuse. started at age 4 through 17. my stepfather abused me on a weekly basis starting with molestation, sodomy and then multiple rape. my mother, now aging, lives with me (stepfather passed) and I can't get passed my feelings that are the opposite of what a daughter should feel for her mother. I am a wife, mother and grandmother, but around my mother, the abuse memories are strong. It is affecting my family life. advice?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Try life style modification technique

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.

I have sympathy with you, but no one could change your past. What ever happened with you, that would stay in your memory and would difficult to forget. There is only one way to forget all this, that is to make new memories. For that, you have to either change your life style by using life style modification skills or try to stay away from the things that remind you about past.

You can not leave your mother. I think, that wouldn't be right. In current situation, she needs your help, so this option could not be possible in your case. Better to try first one. Life style modification. Try to spend more time with family member on weekend and other days. That would help you to control previous thoughts and help you to make new memories. You can take help of a psychologist for that.

In case, you need further help, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2496 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How To Deal With Traumatic Memories?

Brief Answer: Try life style modification technique Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query. I have sympathy with you, but no one could change your past. What ever happened with you, that would stay in your memory and would difficult to forget. There is only one way to forget all this, that is to make new memories. For that, you have to either change your life style by using life style modification skills or try to stay away from the things that remind you about past. You can not leave your mother. I think, that wouldn't be right. In current situation, she needs your help, so this option could not be possible in your case. Better to try first one. Life style modification. Try to spend more time with family member on weekend and other days. That would help you to control previous thoughts and help you to make new memories. You can take help of a psychologist for that. In case, you need further help, you can ask. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist