When people think of memory, they often picture images or mental “movies.” But traumatic memories are more than that. They can also be stored in the body through emotions, sensations, and reactions to triggers.
Because these memories often do not have words or clear images attached to them, they may not feel like memories. Instead, they can feel like present-moment experiences. Pain, fear, or the sensation of someone grabbing your arm when no one is there can all be examples of body memories.
These memories are often triggered by cues you do not consciously notice. This is why you may suddenly feel as if you are in danger even when you know you are safe, or feel pain or sensations in parts of your body that are not injured.
This page is part of the Why Do I Get Triggered Without Knowing Why? section of the CommuniDID site, which explains how trauma associations form and why the nervous system can react automatically before you consciously recognize what caused the reaction.
Explore more:
- Questions about being triggered without knowing why
- You will find more about body memories in Body-Based Symptoms in DID
- Unrecognized Trauma Memories
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