Is it normal to block dramatic events from your memory?

Question

When I was about nine years old, 
My uncle molested me, I stood there like stone, making no sound and saying no words. I hated my self after he'd touch me because I wasn't able to do anything, I was so scared. 
I lived with the pain, and seeing him in my house for years in silence. 
When I turned 15 years old I told my family, and no one believed me... They said how is that it took you so long ? And why did you let it happen....... To be honest I tried and tried to erase from my mind and I'd even tell my self over and over that it was a dream. 
Now here is something that I have in my mind too.
My brother use to make me watch him jack off and watch him shower and I even remember him trying to put his....into me.... Now these are things I've always told my self where all a nightmare but they are real.

Answer

Yes it is common for trauma to be blocked.

I highly recommend trauma counseling.

Answer

Yep. It's called a repressed memory and it's normal and a way your body copes with a traumatic event.

Answer

Omg... what a tragedy! First off u should go and file a report even if it's years later. Second, u definitely need couseling. Trauma like this doesn't go away easily. You have a lot more control than I would've had. I am a very vengeful person. I would've made sure they both suffer as much as I did... u have to get help. Things like that don't just go away!!! This is sickening. I am so sorry u had to go thru this!!!

Answer

Sweetie, first of all I am so sorry you had to experience that. Yes its very normal to block out memories like that. When I was 8-9 years old, my brother sexually abused me. When I was 15, I had blocked it out of my mind to the point where I didnt remember it at all. Or that it wasnt my past, it didnt happen to me. Until some annoying kids at school made a rape joke and triggered my PTSD. I would suggest trying therapy. It has helped me so much.

Answer

Your uncle probably did the same to your brother:/ 
I feel so bad for you:( 
I hate people who don't understand how hard it is to come forward about things like this.

Answer

I blocked out what happened to me when i was six until quite recently because i thought even though my mum found out and the rest of my family that maybe id made it up but now i just know it was real there was no way a six year old could know things like that or words and its been causing me a lot of issues recently... Its horrible when these things happen to us so we try to find excuses and forget they happened till the point we believe them. Its to the point now where i have dreams of it happening where i just stand and let it happen because i dont undertsand and didnt even think to stop it and just allowed it. And because i was told it was just normal and it was ok and just not to tell anyone. It leaves me feeling really confused and sad.. Maybe consider talking therapies to help you?

Answer

Yes it is! It's your minds way of protecting its self from traumatic events! But it is totally normal!!

Answer

I'm sorry love. It is repressed memory. Your body tends to fight or flight, and it'll used whatever mechanism it needs to protect you. Stay strong and seek professional help if you can.

Answer

I'm in the same boat. I constantly think that when I was younger my brother would do things to me.. A lot. I briefly remember being in an office talking to someone about it and them asking where he had touched me and whatnot. But the thing is it feels like it could have just been a nightmare and I honestly doubt it being real sometimes but at the same time deep down inside I know it happened. My brother is now a huge drug addict but he seems fine around me which if I ever did that to someone I don't think I'd even be able to look at them again. If it did happen, I don't know if my parents know. I feel like they would have to know but they have never said anything to me 10+ years later.

Answer

Yes. It is 100% normal, especially related to childhood trauma. There are ways to access those memories through therapy and stuff like that. It's not uncommon at all and nothing is wrong with you.

Is it normal to block dramatic events from your memory?

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