Unrecognized Trauma Memories
(Summary) Many survivors believe they have “no memory” of their trauma—but in reality, most trauma memories are nonverbal. Instead of words or pictures, they show up as emotions, body sensations, impulses, or unexplained reactions. In this post, you’ll learn what unrecognized trauma memories can look like and why understanding them is a key step in healing from DID, OSDD, or complex PTSD.
In a previous video, I talked about nonverbal memories of trauma. Because of the way the brain functions in trauma, more trauma memories are nonverbal than verbal. That is, more memories are emotional or body memories. These types of memories often go unrecognized. People will say they have no or little memory of a traumatic event without realizing that they are indeed experiencing memories.
This list contains examples of unrecognized memories:
- startling at sudden noises
- feeling afraid
- feeling shame
- feeling self-hatred
- pain in an apparently uninjured part of the body
- trembling
- impulse to run or hide
- being afraid of the dark
- being uneasy or afraid around other people
- being afraid to be alone
- feeling numb
- wanting to hurt yourself
One thing that is important to know is that we shouldn’t assume a one-to-one relationship between a nonverbal memory and a trauma. It is likely that these types of memories are tied to multiple similar experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are unrecognized trauma memories?
They’re trauma memories that don’t appear as words but as emotions, sensations, images, or behaviors. Startling at loud noises, feeling shame, or wanting to hide can all be forms of nonverbal memory.
Why are most trauma memories nonverbal?
During overwhelming events, the brain often stores experiences in sensory and emotional networks rather than language-based ones. This is why many survivors believe they “don’t remember” trauma even while reacting to it in their bodies and emotions.
Does each reaction equal a single trauma?
Not necessarily. Nonverbal memories usually reflect patterns from multiple similar experiences. A single sensation or impulse may be linked to many events rather than just one.
How can recognizing nonverbal memories help healing?
Understanding that these reactions are memories—not random problems—reduces confusion and self-blame. It also allows survivors to use grounding and self-compassion strategies to care for the parts of them still holding those memories.
Do nonverbal memories mean I’m “making it up”?
No. Nonverbal trauma memories are a normal way the brain stores overwhelming experiences. They’re recognized in trauma research and clinical practice as valid forms of memory.