In the Netflix series Stranger Things, the antagonist ‘Vecna’ uses traumatic memories as bait and feeds on its prey’s anxieties before brutally murdering them. Eleven, the protagonist of the series, accesses repressed memories in order to recall how to use her powers after losing them in the previous season. This brings us to the most controversial question: “Does remembering past trauma cause damage as well as empower a person?”
According to psychiatry experts, adverse childhood events hinder a child’s ability to manage social situations, establish meaningful relationships, and overcome impulsivity. Majority of medical literature on adverse childhood experiences says children exposed to physical, or sexual abuse by a close family member are likely to develop addictions in adulthood. It also causes a decline in academic aptitude, which ultimately increases the likelihood of dropping out of school.
Chronic stress and depression can damage neurons that could potentially result in memory retrieval problems.
Brain Haze
Before examining how memories diminish, it is essential to comprehend their formation.
The neurons convert the action of writing a note or dialing a phone number into a pulse of electrical energy, which is then transmitted throughout the network of cells. The information is initially stored in short term memory, where it is accessible for 30 seconds to a few minutes, before being transferred to long term memory, also known as the hippocampus. The hippocampus serves a significant role in learning and memory. Neurons communicate within the brain via synapses or nerve endings; the signals are called action potentials.
Charles Stangor, a psychology professor at the University of Maryland, explains that memories are efficiently stored when we are deeply involved in an activity or paying careful attention to it.
When neurons are compromised or weakened, memories are lost or drift away. Age is a major component. At some point, the synapses begin to deteriorate, making it difficult to retrieve memories. The frontal lobe and the hippocampus, which are responsible for cognitive functions and memory storage, diminish with age.
Every decade, the hippocampus reportedly loses five percent of its neurons.
Changes In The Brain
The brain undergoes a number of alterations as a result of trauma. When an individual experiences a traumatic event, the chemistry of the brain is altered. Its function also transforms into something referred to as “fear circuitry.”
Courtesy of Netflix
Different responses have distinct effects on the brain. Trauma will cause a cascade of neurochemical and neurobiological changes in the brain that will have long-lasting effects, including a change in gene expression. The prefrontal cortex (front of the brain), which aids in decision-making, rational thought, planning, and memory, is negatively impacted; it begins to function less efficiently. It also interferes with the regulation of neurotransmitters, leading to acute and chronic changes in the brain’s neurochemical systems. Medication aids in neurotransmitter regulation and enhances the functioning of the frontal cortex.
The diagnostic term ‘dissociative amnesia’ is frequently employed to characterize repressed memory. It can be localized, selective, or comprehensive.
- Localized amnesia: a patient may face temporary forgetfulness or memory loss.
- Selective amnesia: a patient may forget a specific event while the remaining memories are retained in full.
- Generalized amnesia: causes patients to completely forget their identity and life experiences.
As social isolation has been dubbed a “memory thief” by researchers, keeping mentally ill people company is crucial. After a traumatic event, the majority of individuals become aloof.
Being alone can be hazardous for emotionally fragile individuals, whereas social interaction provides a mental workout.
This comes down to the idea of “intellectual wellness”, but that is a different topic altogether.
