Trauma Therapist Explains How PTSD and Stress Impact Your Memory
Trauma Therapist Explains How PTSD and Stress Impact Your Memory
Written by: Lauran Hahn, LMHC
Do you have trouble remembering everyday things, even those that aren't emotional or upsetting? You enter a room only to forget why you are there. Or you space out in a meeting, unable to recall what was just said. You constantly misplace your keys, phone, or wallet. Maybe your mind goes blank when remembering your coworker's name, doctor's appointment time, or when your daughter asked you to pick her up.
Yes, it happens to everyone. But these small memory slips can be really frustrating, especially when they start happening more than usual. And there can actually be much more beyond your forgetfulness than simple distraction or inattentiveness.
Why Can't I Remember Things?
If you've been through something traumatic, your memory lapses might actually be connected with how your brain is processing what happened. Memory problems are a major part of PTSD. If you have PTSD, you may experience flashbacks or unwanted memories of trauma. You might struggle to remember certain parts of the traumatic event.
An inability to remember an aspect of the traumatic event(s) is even included in the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. But on top of problems with episodic memory, you may also have trouble remembering everyday things. When you're living with chronic stress, anxiety, or PTSD, your brain can struggle to keep up. It's not that you're careless or forgetful. It's possible that your nervous system may be overwhelmed. Trauma doesn't just affect your emotions; it can also interfere with how your brain handles traumatic experiences.
Although this isn't officially part of the diagnosis, it's something I often see as an Orlando Therapist.
Memory difficulties usually show up while someone is working through trauma. At Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando, we understand how distressing memory problems can be—and how deeply they're connected to your emotional well-being. You don't have to navigate this alone. There's support available, and healing is possible.
How Trauma Impacts the Brain and Memory
When we go through extreme stress or a traumatic event, our brain shifts into survival mode, and its "fear circuitry" becomes active. The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for logic and memory, gets pushed aside, while the brain's fear center—the amygdala—goes into high alert. This changes how our brain works, so instead of reasoning and making logical choices, we freeze or feel disconnected from our body. These reactions are a hardwired survival response.
However, trauma also affects how memories are stored because the part of the brain that organizes memories—the hippocampus—gets overwhelmed, making it harder to store clear, accurate memories of what happened. Instead of creating a clear, logical narrative, the brain may store traumatic memories in a fragmented or sensory-based way. That's why certain smells, sounds, or sensations can trigger intense emotional reactions, even years later.
For example, you may remember the smell or the song playing in the background, but forget the order of events or struggle to recall parts of a traumatic event. Emotional flashbacks can happen without warning, and you may suddenly feel frightened, ashamed, or helpless, unsure why you're reacting so strongly. With the right support and trauma-informed therapy, it's possible to process these memories so they don't feel overwhelming and distressing.
Trauma Therapist: How PTSD Impacts Long-Term Memory
Post-traumatic stress disorder can have long-lasting effects on how your brain processes and stores information. You may be reexperiencing symptoms, such as intrusive memories, nightmares, and flashbacks that make it feel like the trauma is happening all over again. You may struggle with sudden mood swings, sleep problems, and impulsive or self-destructive behavior. Or you may try to avoid everything that reminds you of trauma, like having difficulty when you try to remember significant details of the traumatic event. Such behavior is not intentional; it's the brain trying to shield itself from hurting.
Aside from memories of trauma, PTSD may interfere with working memory and focus. This is why it's not easy to stay present, listen to conversations, or make it through everyday tasks and responsibilities.
How Stress Alone Can Disrupt Your Memory
When you're under so much stress, you may forget where you were going, what you were saying in the middle of a sentence, or zone out during important meetings or conversations. You don't necessarily need to suffer trauma to notice such changes in your memory. Severe stress can do this to your brain, too. When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that's meant to help you react to short-term stress. However, when your brain is in a state of constant alert, cortisol stays elevated for a long time. Such high levels of cortisol can interfere with your brain's ability to focus, store, and recall information.
Chronic stress, such as ongoing pressure from work, taking care of others, or life demands, will typically affect memory more than acute short-term stress because your brain becomes less adept at processing new information or staying organized.
Getting Support for Memory Problems and Healing from Trauma: How Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando Can Help
When your brain is overwhelmed by stress or unresolved trauma, it may be working overtime to protect you. As a result, you may experience daily memory issues. You're not "losing it." The good news is that healing is possible.
At Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando, we offer trauma therapy. Through trauma-informed approaches like EMDR, mindfulness-based therapy, and nervous system regulation, we help you process the root causes of emotional overwhelm and restore clarity, focus, and emotional balance.
Interested in How Trauma Therapy Helps?
Making your way through trauma and PTSD can feel so overwhelming and isolating. But it doesn't have to be. Mindful Living Counseling today to connect with a therapist who can help you feel more grounded, supported, and in control of your life again.
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Not Ready for Trauma Therapy Orlando?
At Mindful Living Counseling, we have a team of specialized trauma therapists who are always ready to help. We understand that you may not be ready to seek help right now. If you're interested in learning more about trauma therapy, we recommend checking out the articles provided below.
Trauma Therapy Orlando Resources
Anxiety Therapist Shares The Impact of Stress and Trauma on Our Reactions
Orlando Therapist Explores the Difference between Physical Trauma & Attachment Trauma
Trauma Therapist: Understanding the Window of Tolerance
Types of Counseling: Trauma Counseling
Orlando Therapist: Understanding Therapy Jargon
5 Signs You’re Healing from Trauma
Other Therapy Services Offered at Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando
We offer a range of therapy services, including Anxiety Therapy, Eating Disorders, Toxic Relationships, EMDR Therapy, EMDR Intensives, and Teen Therapy, as well as Guided Meditations.
Trauma Therapist Spotlight: Lauran Hahn
Lauran Hahn, LMHC, is the owner of Mindful Living Counseling. As well as an Orlando trauma-based therapist that specializes in helping clients who are struggling with anxiety and trauma with her EMDR Intensives. She is a Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, a Certified EMDR Therapist, and an EMDRIA Approved Consultant.