Remember that individual experiences can vary, and it's essential to consult with a qualified mental health professional for personalized guidance.
Dissociation: Traumatic experiences can trigger a natural defense mechanism called dissociation. During dissociation, the mind detaches from the present moment as a way to protect itself from overwhelming emotions and distress. This detachment can create a sense of unreality or dreamlike quality to the memories.
Memory Fragmentation: Traumatic memories may not be stored in the brain in the same way as regular memories. Instead of a cohesive narrative, they can be fragmented and scattered, making it challenging to recall the entire event accurately. This fragmentation can lead to inconsistencies or feelings of exaggeration in the memory.
Emotional Overload: Traumatic experiences often involve intense emotions, such as fear, helplessness, or horror. The mind may have difficulty processing and integrating these emotions, leading to a sense of detachment or disbelief.
Time Distortion: During traumatic events, the brain's perception of time can change. Some individuals may experience time moving in slow motion, while others might feel like events happened in a blur. This altered perception can contribute to the dreamlike quality of the memory.
Coping Mechanisms: Over time, individuals may develop coping mechanisms to deal with trauma. These coping strategies can include minimizing the severity of the trauma or creating a mental distance from the events, which can contribute to the feeling that it didn't happen or was exaggerated.
Secondary Trauma: In some cases, individuals who have experienced trauma may be exposed to others' traumatic stories, leading to what is known as secondary trauma or vicarious trauma. This exposure can blur the lines between personal experiences and those of others, resulting in confusion or a sense of exaggeration.
Memory Suppression: The mind might unconsciously suppress traumatic memories as a way to protect the individual from the pain associated with them. This suppression can lead to gaps in memory or a sense of disbelief about the traumatic event.
It's important to note that experiencing these feelings about trauma memories is not uncommon, and it doesn't mean the trauma didn't happen. Trauma can affect memory and perception in complex ways. If you're struggling with these feelings or if they significantly impact your well-being and daily life, I strongly recommend seeking support from a mental health professional who specializes in trauma and can provide appropriate guidance and therapy.