Have you ever had a moment where you couldn't remember something important, like a name or a phone number? It can be frustrating and even scary to feel like your memory is failing you. But imagine if you woke up one day and couldn't remember anything about your past - not your family, your friends, your job, or even your own name. This is the reality for people with dissociative amnesia, a condition where the brain blocks out traumatic memories to protect itself.

For those living with dissociative amnesia, it's like living in a constant state of deja vu, as they navigate through life without any recollection of their past experiences.

Dissociative amnesia can be a tricky condition to spot as its symptoms can be varied but, one of the hallmarks of it is the inability to recall certain memories or important personal information it’s more like your brain has hit the ‘delete’ button on certain parts of your life. Dissociative amnesia can be a bewildering experience, as it can leave you feeling like you're on the outside looking in. Emotional numbness is a common symptom, and you may feel detached from the people and events in your life. Triggers can also be a source of confusion and distress, as forgotten memories and emotions can resurface unexpectedly. For example, you might smell a particular scent that reminds you of a traumatic event that you've blocked out. Coping with dissociative amnesia can also take a toll on your mental health, and you may find yourself struggling with anxiety or depression as a result. To make it more personal here is the story of Priya a college student who was diagnosed with dissociative amnesia and how she recovered from it.

Priya a dedicated college student with a close-knit group of friends one day wakes up with no memory of the previous three months. She was unable to recall her friends, school, or even her own name. She felt alone and bewildered as if she had been thrust into an alien environment. When her friends discovered her in this condition, they were alarmed and concerned and took her to the hospital.  Priya was given the dissociative amnesia diagnosis following a battery of testing. They explained to her that in order to cope with a horrific occurrence, her brain had blocked out her memories. Priya, however, was unable to recall any unpleasant events that had occurred to her. She struggled to put together her background, feeling confused and frustrated.

With support from her family and friends, Priya started the arduous healing process. She began treatment in the hopes of recovering the memories that dissociative amnesia had obscured. In an effort to refresh her memory, she looked through old pictures and spoke with her pals. She started to slowly but definitely retrieve her memories and feeling of self. Priya's story highlights the impact that dissociative amnesia can have on a person's life and the importance of seeking help and support. It can be a confusing and isolating experience, but with the right treatment and a supportive network, it is possible to recover and move forward.

Priya's journey also highlights the need for self-care and prioritizing mental health, especially in the high-pressure environment of college life. By taking care of ourselves and seeking help when needed, we can build resilience and strength to face the challenges of life and END THE STIGMA.