Implicit Vs Explicit Memories

Have you heard the phrase 'if it's hysterical, it's historical?' This means if someone is overreacting, or their reaction is so out of context, there might be something from their past that's contributing to their extreme response.

Let's look at how implicit memories are formed, and how a person's adverse experiences from long ago could be contributing to current behaviors, and affecting relationships. Check it out to learn how implicit memories play a role in anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Transcript

This is Robert.

Have you ever wondered why we sometimes react the way that we do?

How we look back on certain moments and kind of wonder,

What was I thinking?

That was a little extreme.

Well,

I'd like to talk to you about implicit versus explicit memories and how adverse life experiences lead to reactivity and anxiety,

Etc.

So if you've dealt with trauma or are dealing with trauma,

Anxiety or depression,

It's essential to understand the difference between implicit and explicit memories.

Memories play a crucial role in how we process and respond to emotional experiences.

Explicit memories are conscious and intentional memories that we can recall with effort.

For example,

Remembering what you ate for breakfast this morning or the name of your favorite movie,

Something that happened to you in high school.

These types of memories are stored in the prefrontal cortex of the brain and can be accessed intentionally.

On the other hand,

Implicit memories are unconscious and unintentional memories that are formed without our awareness.

These memories are stored in the amygdala and other parts of the brain and can be triggered by specific cues or experiences.

For example,

Feeling anxious or fearful when you see a specific object or smell a particular scent.

Let's break it down.

Implicit memories are stored in the survival part of the brain,

Responsible for fight-flight,

And these memories influence our behaviors and emotional responses.

These memories are often formed through experiences that we may not remember consciously,

Such as early childhood experiences or traumatic events.

They can trigger automatic emotional reactions or behaviors without our awareness.

Joseph Ledoux,

An expert in neuroscience,

Emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of implicit memories in trauma recovery.

Traumatic experiences can create implicit memories that are stored in the unconscious mind,

Leading to anxiety,

Depression,

And other mental health issues.

So one real-life example of how an implicit memory can manifest as anxiety is a person who was bitten by a dog as a child.

Even if the person has no memory of the event,

Their brain may store that memory as an implicit memory.

This means that when they encounter a dog as an adult,

They may experience anxiety or fear without knowing why.

Research has shown that the amygdala,

A small almond-shaped structure in the brain,

Plays a key role in processing fear and anxiety.

The amygdala can become hyperactive in response to implicit memories of traumatic events,

Triggering a cascade of physiological responses,

Such as increased heart rate,

Sweating,

And rapid breathing.

In this way,

Implicit memories can influence our emotions and behavior without our conscious awareness.

Understanding the role of implicit memories and anxiety can be helpful in developing strategies for managing these symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment.

So imagine now how an implicit memory might manifest if you had a mother who was dismissive or critical,

Or a father who was angry or abusive.

For example,

As an adult,

When you're interacting with another person and the dynamic of this interaction has any sort of the same flavor as those earlier experiences,

It could be a facial expression,

A certain tone of voice,

Or even specific words or phrases that your mother or father may have exhibited,

Your fight-flight reaction will be activated because the amygdala is interpreting this moment as potentially threatening,

Even though it may be perfectly safe.

This means if you are easy to get defensive,

Shut down,

Aggressive,

Or even fawning,

Or what we call people pleasing,

Implicit memories could likely be playing a big role here.

To heal from trauma,

It's crucial to work through these implicit memories and bring them into conscious awareness.

This can be done through therapy,

Mindfulness practices,

And other forms of self-exploration.

By bringing these implicit memories into conscious awareness,

We can begin to process them,

Release the emotional charge they carry,

And develop healthier ways of coping with our emotions.

So what can you do if you are struggling with trauma,

Anxiety,

Or depression?

One important step is to become more aware of your implicit memories and how they are affecting you.

This might involve working with a therapist who can help you identify and process these memories in a safe and supportive environment.

You may also find it helpful to practice mindfulness or other relaxation techniques that can help you stay present and grounded in the present moment.

This is one way of working in real time with triggers.

In therapy,

We sometimes have this this cliched phrase that we half-jokingly throw out there.

We say,

If it's hysterical,

It's historical.

And that kind of encapsulates the essence of implicit memories.

If there's this overreaction,

Something that's out of context with this current moment,

This might be an implicit memory taking shape in real time.

Something about this moment is being sensed or interpreted as threatening because it reminds our system and the amygdala of something similar that actually was threatening in the past.

So if you're struggling with this stuff,

Know that healing is possible and understanding the role of implicit memories in your mental health can be a significant step towards recovering.

I hope you enjoyed this.

Thank you.

Reviews

Very much appreciated this. Explains so much in a way that’s easy to understand. Thank you. 🙏

Well-spoken - extremely valuable information. Thank you!

A succinct reflection on why looking at your past, as scary as it can be, is often an essential part of resolving present pain 🩷Thank you. I listened to this to try and clarify (if the opportunity presents itself) in language my partner can understand just why I feel that it is important to me for my partner to listen to me reflect on my past experiences, and how we each may have not loved the other or ourselves optimally by unconsciously repeating our respective past defenses, before I can move on to a mostly present moment-focused existence (his desire to not hear about the ways in which his behavior may have caused me pain despite his good will). I sense this is rooted in the fact that, just like me, he is actually rather sensitive and it is very painful to hear and feel that you may have done something unconsciously or unintentionally that harmed someone you love dearly. I don’t think he has yet grasped how we are often stuck reliving our pasts in the present moment if we skip the uncomfortable and challenging step of understanding our past experiences, our default lenses or ways of seeing and interpreting the world around us, and how that is or isn’t in line with the life we want to have moving forward.
None of this is easy; thank you for being a part of my journey ❤️❤️❤️

This will make you think and approach life differently. A light bulb moment.
Thank you

Fascinating, illuminating and so very helpful. Thank you 🙏

Clear, easy to understand talk about how types of memory influence our experience and behaviors.