Repressed Memories Can Be a Sign of Trauma—Here’s What Research Shows

Understanding why repressed memories resurface can be the first step in processing past trauma and finding a path toward healing.

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Repressed memories are memories that have been unconsciously buried due to trauma, often from childhood. These memories are not simply forgotten but are actively blocked by the brain as a defense mechanism to protect people from emotional distress. However, they can resurface years or even decades later, often unexpectedly.

Understanding why repressed memories return and how to cope with them can be essential for trauma recovery. Whether triggered by life events, therapy, or sensory experiences, resurfacing memories can bring both clarity and emotional challenges. Read on to learn about what repressed memories are, why they resurface, and how to navigate their impact.

What are repressed memories?

As mentioned, repressed memories refer to traumatic memories that have been pushed out of conscious awareness, often due to psychological distress. This concept is rooted in Sigmund Freud’s theory of memory repression, which suggests that the mind unconsciously blocks traumatic events to protect people’s mental health.

Unlike ordinary forgotten memories, repressed memories remain inaccessible until a specific trigger brings them back into awareness. While some people recover repressed memories on their own, others may recall them during therapy, particularly in cases of childhood trauma or abuse. The process of memory repression remains a complex topic within psychological science, sparking ongoing debate among researchers and clinicians.

Why do repressed memories resurface?

Repressed memories don’t always stay buried forever. They can resurface when certain triggers break through the brain’s defense mechanisms, bringing forgotten or hidden experiences back into conscious awareness. Here are some reasons why repressed memories resurface.

1. Emotional experiences

Strong emotions, such as grief, anger, or stress, can unlock repressed memories. When someone experiences a situation that mirrors past trauma, their brain may draw connections between the current moment and past experiences, leading to the spontaneous return of forgotten memories. This can be overwhelming, as the resurfacing memories often bring intense emotions tied to the original traumatic event.

2. Therapy or guided introspection

Repressed memories often emerge during therapy, particularly in trauma-focused approaches like EMDR, psychoanalysis, or repressed memory therapy. Therapists use techniques to explore past trauma, and sometimes, forgotten or buried memories can resurface as a person works through unresolved trauma. While memory therapy can be beneficial, it is crucial to approach it with caution, as memory recovery is a complex process that may be influenced by suggestion.

3. Sensory triggers like smells, sounds, places

Certain sensory experiences can instantly bring back forgotten memories. The scent of a childhood home, a particular song, or the sight of a familiar place can activate dormant neural pathways linked to past trauma. This phenomenon, known as involuntary memory recall, can cause repressed childhood memories to resurface with startling clarity, often accompanied by the emotions felt at the time of the original event.

4. Stressful life events

Major life changes, such as pregnancy, marriage, or loss, can cause past trauma to resurface. The emotional weight of these events can weaken the psychological barriers that once kept traumatic memories suppressed. For example, people who experienced childhood abuse may find themselves recalling repressed traumatic memories when navigating parenthood, as their own experiences with childhood memory come into focus.

What is the controversy around repressed memories?

Repressed memory is a highly debated topic in psychological science. Some researchers believe that memory repression is a valid phenomenon, particularly in cases of dissociative amnesia, where people lose access to traumatic memories. Others argue that recovered memories may be influenced by suggestion, particularly when recalled through guided questioning in therapy.

False memory syndrome is another concern in the discussion of memory recovery. Studies suggest that certain therapeutic techniques can unintentionally create false memories, leading people to believe in events that never actually occurred. 

How repressed memories affect mental and physical health 

Research in clinical psychology and psychological science suggests that memory repression can have lasting consequences, not only on mental health but also on physical well-being. The connection between the mind and body means that unresolved trauma can manifest in various ways, influencing a person’s emotional regulation, behavior, and even immune function. Here are some ways repressed memories affect well-being. 

1. Anxiety and depression 

Suppressing traumatic memories can contribute to the development of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. Studies in clinical psychological science suggest that people with repressed trauma (especially that resulting from childhood trauma) may experience persistent feelings of unease, fear, or sadness without understanding the root cause. The subconscious effort to keep painful memories hidden can create chronic stress, leading to emotional dysregulation and difficulty managing everyday challenges.

2. Dissociative disorders and memory fragmentation

Some trauma survivors develop dissociative symptoms, such as dissociative amnesia or dissociative identity disorder (DID), as a way to protect themselves from distressing experiences, research shows. These disorders can cause disruptions in autobiographical memory, making it difficult for individuals to form a cohesive sense of self. This disconnection from past events may lead to confusion, identity disturbances, and gaps in memory that impact relationships and daily life.

3. Physical symptoms

The concept of “body memory” refers to the idea that the body retains the imprint of past trauma, which can manifest as various somatic symptoms. Research studies how repressed body memories may manifest as somatic ‘blind spots,’ such as specific sensory losses, indicating a corporeal presence of these memories. Continuous suppression of traumatic memories can disrupt the body’s stress response system, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in heightened anxiety, depression, and a compromised immune system. This chronic activation of the stress response due to unresolved trauma underscores the intricate connection between repressed memories and physical health.

How to cope with resurfaced traumatic memories

The return of repressed memories can be unsettling and emotionally overwhelming. While these memories may provide insight into past trauma, they can also bring distress, confusion, or even doubt about their accuracy. It’s important to approach memory recovery with care and to use strategies that support emotional well-being during this process.

1. Seek professional support

If you begin to recover repressed memories, working with a trauma-informed therapist or clinical psychologist can provide guidance and stability. Professionals trained in memory therapy, such as EMDR or cognitive processing therapy, can help trauma survivors process resurfacing memories in a safe and controlled manner.

2. Practice grounding techniques

Grounding techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or using sensory objects, can help manage the emotional distress that comes with recovering repressed memories. Staying present in the moment can reduce anxiety and prevent overwhelming feelings from taking over.

3. Engage in self-care and mindfulness

Dealing with traumatic memories can be emotionally exhausting. Prioritizing self-care—whether through journaling, physical activity, or creative expression—can support the healing process. Mindfulness practices can also help people reconnect with their present selves rather than being consumed by past trauma.

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides mental health treatment for people dealing with serious mental health conditions, including both the emotional and physical effects of traumatic memories and repressed childhood trauma. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With support, managing your mental health and healing from a traumatic experience is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.