I Just Can't Get You Out of My Head ... Dammit

[the_gneech]

Is there a term for when memories, thoughts, regrets, etc., get stuck in your head the same way a song does? And more importantly, is there a way to get them to shut up?

I've got a few things in my mental closets that keep jumping out and shouting "Boo!" at me, and I really want them to bugger off. :P Suggestions (that don't involve drugs or alcohol, please) welcome.

-The Gneech

Comments

[barberio.livejournal.com]

Yes, there is, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. And really, it's only treatable with therapy.

A muse by any other name...

[the-sedgwicks.livejournal.com]

Writing usually does the trick. So does talking bout it. It's the same as those pesky "ideas" that won't leave people alone. They just need an outlet. It doesn't always work, but often helps.

There's also therapy. But as a psych major, I think that's a good idea for a lot of people.

[blacktigr.livejournal.com]

The only thing that works for me is thinking the thought all the way through. Relive the memory, if you have to. Of course, therapy always helps, so that you have someone to live through that with.

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

Hmm. Most of these things are pretty low-key as stressful events go, but I guess it's not the size, it's how much it meant!

-TG

[barberio.livejournal.com]

It's a sliding scale of differing impacts, and how much it affects you, but it's all the same underlying 'unable to block out a painful memory' problem.

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

Reliving the memory is kinda the problem! :D It's not resolving, it's just making a rut.

-TG

Re: A muse by any other name...

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

I've done counseling before, with mixed results. It would help if it was a specific event, but it's a collection of various ones that pop back up again.

-TG

Re: A muse by any other name...

[the-sedgwicks.livejournal.com]

then maybe journaling, autobiography, etc might help.

Plus counseling is different than therapy (sort of). Therapy can be a safe place to talk about what's going on in your head. Counseling is usually geared toward resolving a specific problem. Also, some counselors haven't been trained or educated, but are allowed to claim counselor if they choose. I could claim it and be legitimately a counselor, without certifications. It's all about who you go to and speak with. And what your expectations are.

[kevinjdog.livejournal.com]

All I can say is, if you find out, tell me. I have annoying things I did in the sixth grade that no one but me remembers jumping out and shouting "REMEMBER THIS?? DON'T YOU FEEL LIKE AN IDIOT FOR DOING THIS??!!" every now and again. It's very irritating.

[canisrufus-uk.livejournal.com]

Add me to the mailing list when a cure is found, that sounds just like me.... maybe it's a general geek thing :P

[hallan.livejournal.com]

Count me in, too. It's like I've got a little demon sitting on my shoulder, trotting out my old screwups whenever he feels like I'm not paying attention. Sadistic little f---ing bastard.

[sirfox.livejournal.com]

Meditation, possibly. At its core, it's about making all the voices inside your head be still and quiet. it's an amazing state of mind, and hard to do, initially.

Also, once trained, it's damned useful.

[rowyn]

GAH. Me too. x.x There's one particular grad school memory I cannot quash.

Re: A muse by any other name...

[rowyn]

Writing it down sometimes helps. When something seems really important, my brain keeps bringing it up because it doesn't want me to forget it (even if I really, really do not want to remember it k thx). If I write it down, my brain can go "Oh, okay, that's written down now so it won't get lost. I don't need to make sure it's memorized any more."

[torakiyoshi.livejournal.com]

In that case, just as you combat one song with another song, try combating the memory with another memory. Drive it out!

[kelloggs2066.livejournal.com]

I've always referred to such memories as:
"Monsters From The Id"

Maybe watching a 1950's Science Fiction movie would help keep your mind off of it?