It's essential to remember that memory and cognitive processes are complex and can be influenced by various factors. If you find that you often forget the cause of a fight and struggle to express yourself during arguments with your partner, it may not necessarily be a PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptom.
There are several possible explanations for such experiences:
Emotional Overload: During intense emotional situations like fights, the brain can experience an overwhelming flood of emotions and stress hormones. This flood of emotions can interfere with cognitive processes and impair memory retrieval.
Fight or Flight Response: When the brain perceives a threat, it triggers the "fight or flight" response. During this response, the focus is primarily on survival, and cognitive functions, such as memory recall and problem-solving, can take a backseat.
Stress and Anxiety: Chronic stress and anxiety can affect memory and cognitive functioning. When you're in a state of distress or anxiety during a fight, your brain may struggle to process and retain information effectively.
Emotional Regulation: Difficulty in expressing oneself during an argument may be linked to challenges in emotional regulation. High emotions can interfere with the ability to articulate thoughts and feelings clearly.
Communication Issues: If you and your partner have ongoing communication issues, it can make it harder to articulate your feelings and concerns during an argument, leading to feelings of memory loss.
Depersonalization/Dissociation: In some cases, individuals may experience a mild form of depersonalization or dissociation during intense conflicts, which can lead to a sense of detachment and memory gaps.
If you find that these memory lapses are impacting your daily life or causing significant distress, it's essential to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation and provide you with a proper diagnosis and personalized support.
Remember that I'm not a substitute for professional advice, so consulting a mental health expert is essential if you're concerned about your well-being. They can provide you with the appropriate guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.