Question regarding remembering

[E.B]

This isn't necessarily anxiety related but I guess could be at the same time.

I remember everything, and have what I consider a great memory...however I have noticed something since a child. If I don't remember something (but could remember it quickly if I wanted to) I can create a block almost where I don't remember what I'm trying to think.

For example lets say I'm trying to remember the name Joe. If I say what was that person's name to myself and then say to myself I won't remember it or can't....I am able to create a block of some sort, and really am not able to remember....


Something very similar
If lets say I have to say something and do know what I need to say. I am actually able to create a similar block in my head and forget what I need to say....simply by thinking I won't be able to remember or think their is a possibility I won't remember.

Like I said I have been able to "create" this block in my head since a child...and I don't know of anyone necessarily who is similar in that respect. Some say oh yes if you think something it will happen...but it is much deeper then that.

 

[FirstJack]

This is really fascinating. I can't say I have the same skill. But if panic attacks might be triggered by memories, could or would such a skill help reduce them (the panic attacks)?

 

[Jonathan123]

This isn't necessarily anxiety related but I guess could be at the same time.

I remember everything, and have what I consider a great memory...however I have noticed something since a child. If I don't remember something (but could remember it quickly if I wanted to) I can create a block almost where I don't remember what I'm trying to think.

For example lets say I'm trying to remember the name Joe. If I say what was that person's name to myself and then say to myself I won't remember it or can't....I am able to create a block of some sort, and really am not able to remember....


Something very similar
If lets say I have to say something and do know what I need to say. I am actually able to create a similar block in my head and forget what I need to say....simply by thinking I won't be able to remember or think their is a possibility I won't remember.

Like I said I have been able to "create" this block in my head since a child...and I don't know of anyone necessarily who is similar in that respect. Some say oh yes if you think something it will happen...but it is much deeper then that.

Did something happen in childhood that you needed to block out? Fraught childhood memories can be repressed. (Not suppressed, that is a conscious act). Repression is an unconscious act that nature has given us to avoid damage to the brain. Many involved in a road accident can remember what led up to it but not the accident itself. PTSD is what this is about. Bringing the memories into the light of day and seeing them as they are is part of the therapy. Sometimes very difficult and painful. This skill could be a big advantage in anxiety. Most of us would love to be able to block out memories at will. But alas, it always seems so difficult.