Infantile memory loss is the inability to recall early memories, especially those before age three or four. Children of narcissistic parents who faced trauma may have zero memories of childhood because the brain suppressed memories to protect them. This can leave you with vague unease or missing pieces from early life.
Many people I work with say, “When I think about my childhood, I can’t remember anything, but I feel a strange sensation in my body.” I tell them, “It’s your body keeping the score. Your body remembers everything that happened to you.” These gaps in memory are the brain’s defense, shielding you from unresolved trauma.
These forms of memory loss—whether procedural, selective, emotional, short-term, or childhood—remind us of your resilience and how deeply the abuse affected you. While these effects can feel overwhelming, healing and rediscovery are possible. By reducing stress, seeking support, and practicing self-compassion, you can gradually rebuild clarity, reconnect with your past, and restore your sense of self.
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