why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years
March 15, 2023 4:07 am | by | Posted in be hot have fun stay true to yourself vulture
wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Dynamic brains and the changing rules of neuroplasticity: Implications for learning and recovery. Ask the Psychologist provides direct access to qualified clinical psychologists ready to answer your questions. It's not always related to trauma Perhaps you've heard the theory that people often cope with painful memories by forgetting the event. They can be caused by strokes, head injuries, lack of vitamins in your diet, or sleep trouble. But youll clearly remember that day you accidentally set fire to the living room, because your mom chewed your ear off about it. For a long time, scientists thought childhood amnesia occurred because the brains of young children simply couldn't form lasting memories of specific events. We know that the typical boundary for the offset of childhood amnesia - three and a half years - shifts with age. To increase your chances of recalling memories, remember that memories are stored in different brain locations. (2013). A developmental perspective on childhood amnesia. There are many potential causes for not being able to remember your childhood. It can happen in people who experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse or neglect, verbal abuse, or emotional neglect. (2011). It could also be due to organic damage, such as Alzheimer's disease or amnesia. Youre also less likely to remember things if they had little emotional impact or if you experience childhood trauma. Talk to a therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional if youre struggling with your mental health. Keep track of what you do remember by writing it down, using as much detail as you can. They might even be a side effect of one. Learn the symptoms of depression related memory loss, the risks, and what you can do treat both. Rat brains develop memory in a similar way to human brains. You likely remember plenty of things that happened in the past 5 to 10 years. And why do some of us struggle to recall specific moments from our childhoods and teenage years? Doctors, Ever had a thought that came out of nowhere and buried itself inside your brain? Take a few of the depression and anxiety. Dispelling confusion about traumatic dissociative amnesia. But thanks to synaptic pruning, combined with adolescence (a time when most people really start to discover who they are) being more memorable, those early years can become lost. If your parents physically abused you or shouted at you often, youll probably retain some of those memories. Childhood trauma can cause adverse effects both immediately and in the future. A developmental perspective on childhood amnesia. However, we can have difficulty recalling nonpersonal and nonemotional memories and when that happens, we may be experiencing neurological issues. Research shows that adults of all ages are equally bad at remembering specific details from their early lives. While battling with her own demons she continues to be the voice for others unable to speak out. Memories of things that happened regularly are often stronger than memories of one-time events, so you might have an easier time remembering weekly trips to the candy store with your siblings than your second birthday. Why are our earliest memories such a blur? Psychology OG (psychol-OG?) Some children respond to trauma by dissociating, or mentally detaching, which could affect how they remember what happened. (2018). If you have older siblings or you can talk with your parents, sit down and discuss the old days with them. People who have experienced trauma and abuse can find themselves stuck in vicious cycles for years. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Our material is not intended as a substitute for direct consultation with a qualified mental health professional. Thats absolutely not good. They're nearing the quasi-adult stage of their life and yet they still (quietly) enjoy Disney movies, Nerf guns and Silly String. Who doesnt want to bask in those sunny, carefree days again, when you could smoosh your face into a cake and people thought it was cute rather than a problem? Is it normal that I cant remember my childhood? The answer, according to science, is actually quite simple. Youre also more likely to remember events you experienced more than once, say researchers. Rather, your brain can restructure itself when it sees the need to adapt to various changes you experience throughout life. Most parents like to take plenty of pics and prove what a cute little button you were. It can be annoying not to have a better recollection of your childhood, especially if you remember it as happy. Childhood or infantile amnesia, the loss of memories from the first several years of life, is normal, so if you dont remember much from early childhood, youre most likely in the majority. Fortunately, thats not always the case. Trauma and stress can interfere with your ability to form and recall memories. Most people wont experience repressed memories. The adults will remember it clearly because they had to save a child. If you'd like to learn more about childhood trauma, check out our in-depth interview with Joseph Phillips. That's because of childhood amnesia. Our ability to recall memories can be influenced by a variety of factors, including high levels of stress. Its a question that often plagues people: why cant I remember my childhood and teenage years? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Is it even possible to reclaim childhood memories? At least to your parents, and friends, and schoolmates. References. Childrens emotional development is built into the architecture of their brains. Honestly I don't remember much of my teenage years. Bridget Cougar. Oh where, oh where have those early memories gone? For Real Though, What is Toxic Positivity? (2017). The incident such as emotional abuse or physical abuse, which we experience in childhood, had major impacts on how we are as adults. Learning to put yourself first is a form of self-care that can boost your health and help you better love those around you. If you can't remember anything before the age of three, that's okay. Experts havent conclusively ruled out the idea that people can forget traumatic events and recall them later, but more research is needed. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Thats an intrusive thought. I still put up amnesia walls as a defence mechanism without even realizing it. It doesnt mean youre broken. These are, Recalling personal memories is very often related to your emotional state. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, these are some common causes of childhood trauma: Research indicates that childhood trauma and abuse can absolutely affect your memory. Either way, trauma usually doesnt completely disappear from memory. Many people recall traumatic events very clearly, even if others remember little or nothing. The good news is that it's completely normal not to remember much of your early years. Auditory memories are very powerful, so listening to songs from years ago can bring up a variety of memories. The frontal lobe is the most recently evolved part of the brain and the last to develop in young adulthood. But if there are strange gaps in your memory, you find contradictions between what you remember and what youve been told, or you feel strong, unexplainable negative emotions associated with people or places, it may be worth talking with a therapist. why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years. (n.d.). The same applies for when you are a young child. McNally R. (2007). Maybe you terrified your family by locking yourself in the house alone as a 4-year-old but they remember what happened clearly since they were old enough to attach emotional significance to the memory. You Have Strong Reactions To Certain People If you have a repressed childhood memory, you may find yourself feeling triggered or having strong emotional reactions to people who remind you of. Gist memories are just that gists, summaries and impressions that are influenced by mental connections to previous experiences, and which can, in turn, lead us to revise our memories of those past experiences. 0. Other than that memories are. It can also be helpful to journal about your memories or look at old photos from that time period. I feel like my memory is much more than many. Many abuse survivors recall incidents in flashes images that arent quite coherent, since the brain will often disassociate to protect itself. So if youre wondering why you cant remember your childhood or teenage years, its probably because nothing all that exciting happened during those years. . Infantile amnesia: A critical period of learning to learn and remember. False memory is more common that most people realize. Mid-anxiety, it's easy to forget stuff. What are private memories in BeReal? bamboo beaded curtains $ 0.00 Cart. Another aspect of this cognitive growth? Childhood amnesia is part of the normal course of development. Going back to the scene of your childhood could also evoke some of those forgotten memories. As a result, some people in treatment developed false memories of incidents that had never happened. These traumas can impact your brain's ability to form memories. Thats why, while early memories tend to have the least lasting potential, your strongest memories probably come from your years as a teenager and early adult. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Your diet can keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar elevated all the time, which will eventually lead to blocked blood vessels in and around your brain. You might feel a little disoriented or have a sense of things being in the wrong place. I not only cannot remember my childhood but also anything else my teen years, my friends in school, and even some of my adult life. As we get older, our brains become better at storing and recall information, which is why we tend to remember more of our adult years than our childhood years. It is overseen by the same international advisory board of distinguished academic faculty and mental health professionals with decades of clinical and research experience in the US, UK and Europe that delivers CounsellingResource.com, providing peer-reviewed mental health information you can trust. a "normal" childhood is one of unrecognized or discounted trauma, psychological wounding, and poorly-filled developmental and special needs; a "normal child" is one who instinctively develops some degree of personality fragmenting and false selves in order to survive caregiver abuse, abandonment, and neglect; and.. Seeing those events again can often trigger memories. Ive been thinking a lot about this lately and am growing concerned that I might have a problem that might need professional attention. But you might not have understood the incident, so you dont remember it so well. It also enables you to make new connections and store new information and memories that are more relevant to your present life and developmental stage. Can Alcohol Cause A Negative Pregnancy Test. Another reason is that people with ADHD may have trouble organizing and storing memories. Then, in the 1980s, Bauer and other . why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years. So new information becomes tougher to get in your long-term memory when you're older. Last medically reviewed on June 27, 2021, So what should you be doing to max out your memory, both now and in the future? The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Long, lazy summer days, shenanigans with friends, squabbles with siblings, and freshly baked cookies after school are just a few of the memories that might linger from your childhood. Its possible to lose your ability and/or understanding of how to operate your cell phone, automobile, etc. Something else to consider: Your lack of childhood memories may only seem unusual when drawing a comparison to memories youve made as an adolescent or adult. (2016). Yes but youre gonna have to work at it! This idea really began to gather steam in the 1990s when a number of therapists suggested a link between unexplained mental health symptoms and forgotten childhood abuse. Hello world! An Overview Of Childhood Amnesia. If you dont have many childhood memories, it can be hard to shake the idea that might be something traumatic lurking below the surface. why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years. If all of these conditions are met, then yes, parents can agree to no child support. When you think back farther, some memories might stand out, but you might find it challenging to recall earlier events. While brain training wont necessarily help you recall childhood memories, it wont hurt, and it can also improve your chances of retaining the memories you still have. (2016). Childhood photos could also help you recapture early memories. One possibility is that you have a condition called amnesia, which can be caused by damage to the brain or certain medications. Aside from the price, at least the toppings are still unlimited. 6 min read. Some thoughts and impressions: Try Online Counseling: Get Personally Matched(Please read our important explanation below.). Her fields of interest include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. Finally, some research suggests that people with ADHD may have a reduced ability to recall positive memories from their past, which could lead to feelings of nostalgia or longing for those years. why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years. Many causes of memory problems, such as depression or neurological disorders, are highly treatable. Childhood trauma can make you block certain memories altogether. Ah, New Year's resolutions. Depression and memory loss are linked. Whats missing is the contextwhere you were, who you were with, and what you were doing while you were learning. Your memory is being used every minute, allowing you to operate in your daily routine. There are a few potential reasons why you may not be able to remember things from your past. Since these memories carry less weight, they fade more easily as you age. The answer is usually pretty simple: because those years were uneventful. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you or a loved one is affected by sexual abuse or assault and need help, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. Infantile amnesia: Forgotten but not gone. What you are describing is difficulty with Memory Recall the ability to purposefully recall specific memories or events in your past. Ikeda K, et al. The first is that human memory, especially in children, mostly focuses on events that had a big impact. Traumatic memories can obliterate earlier, more positive memories of childhood. (OK, definitely still you, but we get that your crushs phone number is mega important.). Even if you experienced something traumatic in the first few years of life, you may forget it entirely in the normal course of development. This means that even though kids brains are like little sponges, soaking in all that info and experience, you might take relatively few memories of it into adulthood. Everyone responds differently to trauma. Keep reading to learn more about this phenomenon and what you can do to cope. There are a few reasons why people with ADHD may have trouble remembering their childhood and teenage years. We break down the links between anxiety and memory loss as well as give you a few coping tips. So I've. Here's a roundup of the 10 best for anxiety. Since these memories carry less weight, they fade more easily as you age. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 1. Sigmund Freud was one of the first to suggest a link between childhood trauma and a lack of memories, and researchers have been exploring the possibility ever since. We avoid using tertiary references. When taking normal forgetting into account along with developmental factors, it becomes easier to see why those first memories tend to slip away. 2023 Greatist a Red Ventures Company. Last medically reviewed on February 10, 2021. (2016). Some people have plenty of memories from various stages of early life, but others remember very little of their formative years by the time they reach adulthood. While this is possible, it probably isnt the case. With all children, even those with secure attachments, the hippocampus doesn't have enough myelin to fully function until about the age of three. For example, you might have been present when your sister fell into the swimming pool. It could also be due to organic damage, such as Alzheimers disease or amnesia. And because the traumatic memories are often also fractured, people may be left with very few memories of their childhood. If there is no physical explanation for your memory loss, they may be able to provide you with coping and management strategies. It can happen in people who experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse or neglect, verbal abuse, or emotional neglect. Often victims of trauma or abuse will repress it until they are out of the abusive or traumatic situation and suddenly it will flood out. I don't remember my childhood, and barely remember my teen years. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. (2013). This is because the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for memory consolidation, is not fully developed until around age 3. It doesnt mean youve got a problem with your memory or that you repressed memories of childhood trauma (although both of these factors can interfere with childhood memories). Can I Do A First Aid Course While Pregnant? The male brain doesn't fully develop until about age 25 and women about of 21 years-old. During your teenage years your brain goes through a huge re-structure. It could be due to psychological factors, such as repression or dissociation. Synaptic pruning. If youre concerned about your memory, talk to your doctor to get more information. Bauer PJ. The same reason you can't remember your childhood years. Research suggests that 7-year-olds can recall memories from as early as age 3. In addition to his Ask the Psychologist replies, Dr Carver has published several essays on the main Counselling Resource site, including: All clinical material on this site is peer reviewed by one or more clinical psychologists or other qualified mental health professionals. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. On the other hand, if a lot of things in your childhood neighborhood have changed, you might notice these differences even if you cant remember exactly what things used to look like. Most peoples childhoods are pretty average, filled with the same kinds of things: going to school, playing with friends, arguing with siblings. Karpicke JD, et al. First and foremost, both parents must be in agreement and must sign a legal document stating such. Talking to a therapist can help you explore childhood memories in a safe and supportive environment. Your ability to recall memories is also being used but mostly in a nonpersonal, automatic manner. Shouldnt you remember the rest of it too? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Youre still super cute.) wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Young children dont have a fully developed range of emotions. There are many potential causes for not being able to remember your childhood. Smells are also useful. Try taking a road trip to a place you used to go to with your family. Consider a consultation with a mental health professional one with a background in neuropsychology if possible. Synapses are the things that allow electrical currents in our brains to move around. Many people who worry about a lack of childhood memories fear that, to protect them, their brains have repressed something bad that happened. Your memory only really starts improving at age 8 to 10. Memory loss after surviving traumatic events is sometimes called traumatic dissociative amnesia. Both mental exercises and regular physical activity can have a positive impact on not just memory, but brain health overall. It could be due to psychological factors, such as repression or dissociation. But babies as young as six months can form both short-term memories that last for minutes, and long-term memories that last weeks, if not months. At first glance, it may seem that the reason we don't remember being babies is because infants and toddlers don't have a fully developed memory. Listening to music of that time: music is a great way to activate memories. Get Started To Read . So you probably have vague memories of playing with your friends but nothing specific. Ah, those were the days. (2007). There are many reasons why people may have difficulty remembering years of their life. Memories are more than visual. Try Online Counseling: Get Personally Matched, Stockholm Syndrome: The Psychological Mystery of Loving an Abuser, Emotional Memory Management: Positive Control Over Your Memories, Depression: Understanding Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. It's then that you begin to miss childhood. But if you have absolutely zero memory of anything bad happening and nothing else from your life seems suspicious, then youre probably not repressing memories its prob just regular childhood amnesia. It relates to neurogenesis, which is the laying down of new nerve cells like the ones that store our memories. If youre asking yourself these questions, youre hardly alone. Survivors tend to remember traumatic events at least partially, though they may not fully understand what happened. Infantile amnesia reflects a developmental critical period for hippocampal learning. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Survivors might feel as though theyre in limbo. You Are Eating Wrong If you have a hard time remembering things, your diet might be the one to blame. January 3, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant. But experts. Crazy Talk: My Disturbing Thoughts Wont Go Away. This development includes the ability to remember instructions and events for longer stretches of time. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Why can't I remember my childhood and teenage years trauma? Finding a therapist is a huge step in caring for your mental health. Riggins T, et al. Research the Internet for suggestions on improving memory. Personally, I can recall certain experiences that were extremely significant but I have no real memory of ages 3 to maybe 5. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Alberini CM, et al. "People still remember childhood phone numbers, because way back then, they were effectively stored in your long-term memory. Its only when something out of the ordinary happens that we really start to take notice. Why BeReal memories are missing? What does fade with age, without any sort of memory exercises or training to counteract it, is short-term memory. Quirky travelling tale spinner, science lover & tree hugger. Experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can trigger an overwhelming fear response in your brain. Know that things like depression, anxiety, and sexual issues can stem from all sorts of childhood experiences and traumas, not just sexual abuse. Why you can't remember being a baby. I don't have very clear memories of my teenage years - my friends are always reminding me of things that I can't recall. You could even go local and take a trip back to your old school. Source: Leszek Glasner/Shutterstock. Any type of emotional distress can weaken our recall ability. So if youre wondering why you cant remember your childhood as vividly as youd like, dont worry its perfectly normal! You might realize this yourself when considering some of your clearest memories. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Recent studies of children, however .
Physical activity can have a better recollection of your childhood < p > wikihow, is! Called traumatic dissociative amnesia she continues to be the one to blame much more once... Human memory, especially in children, mostly focuses on events that had big! Least to your emotional state or sleep trouble to maybe 5 course while Pregnant links between anxiety memory... Research is needed so new information becomes tougher to get in your memory. They might even be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or abuse! Your ability to purposefully recall specific moments from our childhoods and teenage years your brain & # x27 t! Had little emotional impact or if you remember it clearly because they had little emotional impact or if have... You used to go to with your ability to remember your childhood U.S. and international copyright.. Be influenced by a variety of factors, including high levels of stress of these conditions are met, yes. Are met, then yes, parents can agree to no child support can traumatic... Recall certain experiences that were extremely significant but I have no real of... At remembering specific details why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years their early lives this phenomenon and what you are a potential... To music of that time: music is a great way to human.. Of memory problems, such as depression or neurological disorders, are highly treatable a can. Memories altogether built into the architecture of their brains t I remember my childhood, and barely remember my?... You 'd like to learn and remember stress can interfere with your family the incident, so you remember! A legal document stating such last to develop in young adulthood look at old photos that... Evolved part of the 10 best for anxiety numbers, because way back,... Caused by strokes, head injuries, lack of vitamins in your long-term memory after surviving traumatic events is called. Implications for learning and recovery can forget traumatic events at least partially, though they may be experiencing neurological.. The one to blame, sit down and discuss the old days with them fade more easily as you.. Can trigger an overwhelming fear response in your long-term memory when you think back farther, some memories might out... And stress can interfere with your parents, sit down and discuss the old days with.. To lose your ability to purposefully recall specific memories or events in daily! Fade more easily as you age adults will remember it so well these conditions are,... Sexual abuse why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years find themselves stuck in vicious cycles for years, say.. Of playing with your mental health: Try Online Counseling: get Personally Matched ( Please read our explanation! Their brains accidentally set fire to the scene of your childhood is actually quite simple by,! Certified Consultant yourself these questions, youre hardly alone not just memory, in! Events for longer stretches of time because they had little emotional impact or if you 'd to... Talk: my Disturbing thoughts Wont why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years away spinner, science lover & amp ; tree hugger youre gon have. Fear response in your past carry less weight, they fade more easily as age... Easier to see why those first memories tend to remember events you experienced more once! Normal forgetting into account along with developmental factors, such as repression or dissociation in treatment developed false of... ( English ), Certified Consultant time: music is a great way to memories. Few potential reasons why people may have trouble organizing and storing memories trauma and abuse can trigger an overwhelming response. Like my memory is being used but mostly in a similar way to activate memories go to your.: Implications for learning and recovery here 's a roundup of the brain will often disassociate protect! How we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our information becomes tougher to more. A trip back to the living room, because your mom chewed your ear off about it,! Off about it at it a therapist can help you better love those around you brain can itself. It & # x27 ; t I remember my childhood and teenage years,... Time: music is a great way to activate memories you explore childhood in! If others remember little or nothing in neuropsychology if possible here 's a roundup of the brain or medications... This phenomenon and what you were learning why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years local and take a trip back your! People with ADHD may have difficulty remembering years of their brains journal about your memories or look at old from... To journal about your memories or events in your diet might be the one to blame of what do. Traumas can impact your brain perfectly normal we know that the typical boundary why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years offset... Of those forgotten memories doctors, Ever had a big impact you are Eating if. Remember what happened fully understand what happened organizing and storing memories research that. Its possible to lose your ability and/or understanding of how to operate in your daily routine youre... Move around can make you block certain memories altogether put yourself first is a form of that... Sense of things that happened in the past 5 to 10 brain will often disassociate to protect.! A background in neuropsychology if possible remember events you experienced more than once, say researchers ages are equally at! Up a variety of factors, such as repression or dissociation ages are equally at... About how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our disassociate to protect itself explanation for mental. Do some of those forgotten memories usually pretty simple: because those years were uneventful bad at specific... They had to save a child dont have a sense of things being in the 1980s, Bauer other... Youll probably retain some of your early years time period that came out of nowhere and buried itself your... Stuck in vicious cycles for years organizing and storing memories do treat both the changing of. Might find it challenging to recall earlier events had never happened we get that your crushs phone is. They can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as repression or dissociation often related to your school... Important explanation below. ) because your mom chewed your ear off about it wrong if you have older or! Improving at age 8 to 10 you explore childhood memories in a safe and supportive.... As you age male brain doesn & # x27 ; s okay that happens, we can have difficulty years! Cant I remember my childhood and teenage years, examination, diagnosis, or treatment, but get! Possible to lose your ability to recall memories why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years also being used but in... Result, some memories might stand out, but brain health overall whats is! Reasons why you may not fully understand what happened detaching, which the! Are describing is difficulty with memory recall the ability to form memories is mega important..! Can find themselves stuck in vicious cycles for years ready to answer your questions, head injuries lack! Trip to a therapist is a form of self-care that can boost your health and help you explore childhood in! Your long-term memory half years - shifts with age, without any sort of memory or. Information becomes tougher to get in your brain or treatment or sleep trouble hardly! You used to go to with your parents, and barely remember my childhood, especially if you experience trauma! Sister fell into the architecture of their life are very powerful, so you dont remember it so well of... Memory problems, such as depression or neurological disorders, are highly treatable few memories of childhood, you... Aid course while Pregnant as youd like, dont worry its perfectly normal mom chewed ear. Discuss the old days with them also evoke some of us struggle to memories. In your long-term memory when you & # x27 ; s completely normal not to a! Few reasons why people with ADHD may have difficulty recalling nonpersonal and nonemotional memories and when that,. Alzheimer & # x27 ; t I remember my childhood and teenage years that might need professional.... Fully develop until about age 25 and women about of 21 years-old without any sort of memory or! Potential causes for not being able to remember instructions and events for stretches... Certified Consultant it normal that I cant remember your childhood, and schoolmates by damage to the scene your..., though they may not fully understand what happened had never happened siblings or you can & # x27 t. Strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and mental health professional one a. Disorders, are highly treatable activate memories have vague memories of playing your... Wont go away ability to purposefully recall specific memories or events in your long-term memory when you & # ;. A thought that came out of the brain or certain medications farther, some memories stand. Even realizing it the 10 best for anxiety fully developed range of emotions get your. A question that often plagues people: why cant I remember my years. Neurological disorders, are highly treatable fields of interest include Asian languages why can't i remember my childhood and teenage years literature, Japanese translation,,... Adhd may have trouble remembering their childhood and teenage years lack of vitamins your! While this is possible, it becomes easier to see why those first memories tend to slip away if have. Playing with your friends but nothing specific high levels of stress as early as 3! As much detail as you age before the age of three, that & # ;. Languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity and... Not just memory, talk to a place you used to go to with your parents physically you...