I have retrograde amnesia. I, initially, was concerned that this truth equated to having a totality of present-day amnesia as well. Throughout recovery, I’ve noticed that this is in fact the case for some things, though not nearly all. Phew! Things that didn’t & don’t elicit a STRONG personal & emotional response, when they were initially broached, tend to drift. The time these memories were initially encoded, matters HUGELY too. For instance, if the situation/emotion/agreement or disagreement that initially took place amidst early recovery, are much more difficult, if not impossible, to remember.
“Post-traumatic amnesia: This is amnesia you develop after an injury. It can involve multiple forms of amnesia”.
NOW: Some relatively passive or entirely unemotional memories aren’t stored. It’s unfortunate for building happiness & contentment in the present, but also quite useful that negative memories stick ‘round FAR more than positive ones, as is the truth for all humans. After-all, this is how humans learn which actions to repeat vs. refrain from. This absolutely does enable future happiness, as all can relate to. The memories that have elicited a strong emotional response, in my experience, have been reclaimed quickly (relatively & if they have re-arisen to mind recently, than all the faster). Time continues to provenly be an antidote to my symptoms.
“Our findings indicate that stress hormone effects on memory consolidation require amygdala activity. It is well established that emotional experiences that induce the release of adrenal stress hormones also activate the amygdala”.
I’ve recently shared specific instances in previous posts, describing my reclamation of pieces of memories from the 1.5 years proceeding the incurrence of my critical Traumatic Brain Injury. A fewshrouded memories from the Sanctuary too, directly proceeding my incurrence, have arisen. This is very unique for survivors of critical Traumatic Brain Injuries.
I’m certain of the memories that have arisen being from the 1.5 years preceding my attendance of the Sanctuary, as the reclaimed memories take place in San Francisco and that is the time I lived there. Knowing this truth enables me to fill in the blanks (largely environment) of the snippets of memories that re-arise. I too am positive of the regained glimpses of memories from the Sanctuary, due to inhabitants (largely animals – dear!), my friend Zoe as well as well as glimpses of the Sanctuary’s natural setting (confirmed by picture of the retreat available online). Most of them, are activated by witnessing similar things: visualities and smells.
The below quote depicts my remembrances activated by yoga.
My consistent mental activation my continued composure as well as the research necessitated to A substantial factor that similarly applied to me pre-TBI and applies to other humans as well: the less a memory is repeated & resultantly engrained, inferior memory retention takes place. This truth is similar to when less emotionality is involved, equating to less memory retention taking place.
“With retrograde amnesia, memory loss usually involves facts rather than skills. For example, someone might forget whether or not they own a car, what type it is, and when they bought it — but they will still know how to drive.”
The superior healing of my symptoms, is believed to be due, in part, to my extensive education pre-injury. This education was then substantiated by the 4 years post college graduation, of practicing my craft, which necessitated research onf a variety of subjects (for varying clients who practice different crafts). Prior to composing of my personal injury, research was needed as the subjects I wrote of were all external, sans personal references. The ample & routine learning, practiced at the Sanctuary too, directly prior to incurring my TBI, most certainly has helped my recovery astronomically. Continued education, on needed subjects I address, including professional validation and extrapolation on the realities at hand, is a crucial component. My brain was therefore well exercised & strong when this injury took place. The reality that I continue to activate my brain amidst recovery, is very rare for survivors of critical Traumatic Brain Injuries & is extremely helpful for promoting my ongoing recovery.
“Retrograde amnesia may persist for years…some individuals regaining memories over time”
This refers to my experience!