Remember, it's essential to consult a qualified mental health professional for a proper evaluation and personalized advice.
Generalized Anxiety: Anxiety doesn't always have to be related to specific traumatic events. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a type of anxiety disorder where individuals experience excessive worry and fear about various aspects of their lives. This excessive worry can extend to thoughts about the past, present, and future, leading to anxiety when trying to remember past events.
Memory Distortion: Sometimes, anxiety can impact memory recall. Anxiety can lead to cognitive distortions or memory biases, causing certain memories to be recalled inaccurately or with heightened emotional intensity. This may contribute to the panic and discomfort you experience when trying to remember events.
Uncertainty: If you have difficulty recalling specific details from the past three years, it could be due to uncertainty or lack of clarity about certain events. The uncertainty itself can be anxiety-provoking and contribute to panic when trying to remember.
Triggered Memories: It's possible that attempting to recall past events may unintentionally trigger memories associated with anxiety or stress. These triggered memories can lead to panic attacks if they are linked to distressing emotions or experiences.
Underlying Anxiety: While you may not have experienced any traumatic events during the past three years, there might be underlying anxiety that is being expressed when attempting to remember events from that time. Subconscious anxieties can manifest in unexpected ways.
Repressed Emotions: In some cases, feelings or emotions related to certain events might have been repressed or suppressed, making it challenging to recall them consciously. These suppressed emotions may surface when trying to remember, leading to panic.
High Emotional Arousal: Reflecting on the past can elicit strong emotional arousal, especially if there are unresolved issues or significant life changes that occurred during that time. This heightened emotional state can trigger panic attacks.
Given the complexity of anxiety and panic attacks, it's important to seek guidance from a qualified mental health professional. They can help you explore the underlying causes of your anxiety, provide coping strategies, and support you in managing your symptoms effectively. Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can be particularly helpful in addressing anxiety-related challenges, including difficulties with memory and panic attacks. Remember that seeking professional help is a positive step towards understanding and managing your anxiety.