Trauma can negatively impact physical and mental health. A common symptom of trauma is suffering from memory loss. Sometimes the brain shuts down areas that support memory to protect itself from reliving the traumatic experience. Although this is used as a coping mechanism of the body, it can cause symptoms that manifest in other ways.
Although memory loss can be distressing, the brain can recover with proper support and treatment. By working through traumatic memories and processing the emotional distress that accompanies them, it can help memory function.
Understanding the Physical and Mental Effects of PTSD
During traumatic experiences, the stress hormone cortisol is released. Cortisol increases heart rate, and breathing, can cause brain fog and in the long term can cause inflammation.
Cortisol can be helpful during dangerous situations, but over time lead to negative physical and mental health effects.
Some of the effects PTSD can have on the mind and body include:
- Memory loss
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Intrusive thoughts
- Emotional numbness
- Stomach problems
- Headaches
- Muscle and joint pain
- Chronic illness such as autoimmune disease
- Substance abuse problems
- Self-harm or suicidal ideation
Does PTSD Cause Memory Loss?
It is normal for patients who suffer from PTSD to experience memory loss. Trauma can affect areas of the brain such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and frontal cortex that play a role in cognitive functions such as focus, and short-term, and long-term memory.
Signs of Memory Loss from PTSD
PTSD can affect working memory, and episodic memory, and even make it hard to focus on everyday tasks. Some signs of memory loss from PTSD include:
- Difficulty remembering traumatic events
- Memory fragmentation
- Problems with verbal memory recall
- Trouble remembering personal information (phone number, address)
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Intrusive thoughts
- Problems focusing and concentrating
What Type of Memory Does PTSD Affect?
PTSD affects multiple kinds of memories, both short and long-term. It can impact episodic long-term memory, as this is usually where traumatic memories are stored. Sometimes the brain does this as a way to protect itself.
- Long-term memory is often the primary region affected by PTSD as this is where traumatic memories are stored.
- Working memory is also affected as regions of the brain that control cognitive functions of the brain are impacted by trauma.
- Memory formation can also be affected as many patients with trauma are disconnected from their emotions and have a harder time connecting to formative experiences.
Taking Care of Your Memory Before, During, and After Treatment
It´s important to take care of your brain to support recovering lost memories before, during, and after trauma treatment. During trauma therapy, you may start to have flashbacks or new memories come to the surface that can be distressing.
Some ways to take care of your memory and overall cognitive functioning can include:
- Getting enough sleep. Proper rest is essential for healthy memory function.
- Eating a balanced diet. Vitamins and minerals can help support memory function.
- Trauma treatments such as EMDR or Accelerated Resolution can help recover lost memories and make it easier to work through the heavy emotions that come with uncovering those memories.
- Staying active and getting exercise is a natural way to support overall brain health.
- Using memory aids such as notifications, calendars, and planners is a helpful way to help support increased memory function.
Can You Recover Your Memory Lost from PTSD?
It is totally possible to recover lost memories with proper PTSD therapy, sufficient sleep, and medication. By learning to verbalize trauma, take care of your health, and work through heavy emotions, your memory can naturally return.
Trauma-informed therapies such as EMDR, TF-CBT, and ART can help target traumatic memories deep in the brain. This can naturally help decrease stress and manage symptoms of trauma.
Professional Help to Recover from PTSD
It’s important to seek help from a mental health professional if you are experiencing symptoms of trauma. Maple Mountain Mental Health & Wellness Center has a compassionate team of trauma-informed therapists who are here to provide comprehensive support.
We offer trauma-informed therapies such as EMDR, Accelerated Resolution, and Therapy Assisted Ketamine Treatment. Reach out to our Admissions team today.
