Posted by AuntieMel on July 20, 2004, at 13:13:26
In reply to recovered memories...?, posted by pretty_paints on July 20, 2004, at 12:07:24
I think a lot of people look for reasons to explain their depression. Which is not to say that 'recovering memories' doesn't happen, just that I think the real thing is rarer than it seems.
I have four female cousins (in the same family) and two of them 'recovered' memories of abuse by my uncle. The other two don't believe that it really happened, but understand that to them it *feels* like it happened. Their mom is angry and won't discuss it. My uncle died several years before this all came up, so he can't defend himself. As a kid (through early teens) I spent a lot of time with them over summers and I don't remember anything strange. Last I heard it was all still a mess.
A couple of years ago, my sister called me. She was in therapy and her doc told her she had all the symptoms of an abused child even though she didn't remember any of it - and suggested she call me to ask if I remembered anything. So I get a phone call 'has dad ever sexually abused us? I laughed and laughed before answering 'that would have actually required touch wouldn't it?' She hung up with a 'never mind.'
So anyway....do I think it happens? Sure, I watched Sybil and it was a true story. But I think the abuse has to be really severe to completely mask it. Do I think it's common? Nah. No way. Nix. Only in the movies.
And if your shrink starts to head that direction, there is nothing wrong in asking WHY he's doing so.
poster:AuntieMel
thread:368257
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040716/msgs/368290.html