Is there any way to erase a memory?

Question

I've recently had some really disturbing dreams. As a result of this, I have been feeling suicidal. I just want to die, and get it over with, and stop having these nightmares!

So I would like to know if there is some way of getting rid of, or suppressing your memories. Locking them away so that I won't be haunted by them.

Also, an additional question, what is the possibility of medication that will decrease the number of horrifying thoughts and dreams?

Please help, for I cannot get help from my friends for fear of alienation.

Additional Details

Also, no I am under more stress than usual, I don't do drugs, unless you count caffeine (I am a teenager, you know) and I'm not depressed. I'm a bit suicidal, not depressed. Just frightened. And freaked out.

Oh! And also, a recurring element in my dreams is butterflies. I have a phobia of butterflies, Lepidopteraphobia.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Adapt the following, on spiders: Treatment of many phobias using systematic desensitisation therapy has been demonstrated to be effective. It is always best to use a professional therapist, and clinical psychologists are a good choice, since they tend to rely less on the use of medication, except possibly in the early stages, in their more extreme cases. If you are unable to access the services of a professional, or need a quick result, you can try the following. You may wish to have something to help relax you, first. Short term only, try valerian root, (some people experience "valerian hangovers") or chamomile. Once you feel it starting to become effective, look fleetingly, at a picture (it can be an illustration, drawing, photograph, or Google an image of it; for example: enter "spider; photo" in the searchbar) of the thing which causes your phobia, from a distance. Then look away, and observe how you feel. Uncomfortable? Afraid? Abject terror? Let that feeling subside. You survived that, didn't you?

Next, (these steps need not all be done on the one day, depending on how well you respond, but I wouldn't leave any gaps, returning to it on the next day) look at it from the same distance, but longer. Next, focus intently on it. Always expect to experience some level of discomfort, as you follow these steps, but the idea is to gradually become used to that stimulus, and the knowledge that you have survived the previous steps helps give you the confidence to tackle the next one. Then, approach the image/picture a little closer. Next, closer still, until you are within an arm's length. Then reach out toward it, and, if feeling confident enough, possibly touch it lightly, and quickly. Next, touch it longer, and from closer up. Then look at a real version of it, from a distance. It can be small, or artificial, or both. Next, approach it from closer up. Then touch it. Then leave your hand on it, or pick it up, and look at it. Then, according to what it actually is, you may need to go to where you can expose yourself to the real thing, in relative safety.

Once again; view from a distance, then approach closer. Then as close as you can safely get, yet still reach out and attempt to touch it; just ensure you remain within the limits of safety (allow yourself to be guided in this by other, more experienced people). You can do any, or all of these in the company of a trusted friend, or family member, but if you do this, you will have to do it all over again, alone, because they won't always be there, and you need to develop your competence in such situations. The same thing applies with the use of anxiolytics, either herbal, O.T.C., or prescription. Alone, and unaided!Phobia is addressed in section 27, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris Use the suicide hotlines, in section 5. Most people are suggestible, to some degree, so you could either seek professional hypnotherapy, or, quicker, cheaper, and more conveniently: http://www.instant-hypnosis.com Fear of Bugs, or http://www.asktheinternettherapist.com/h… - "Stop Fears and Phobias" CD - MP3, or enter your particular phobia in the searchbar, at http://www.hypnosisdownloads.com Spider Phobia Cure Hypnosis Download. You could get a fake spider from a toy store (brown paper bag; open when ready). There is a good chance that, once you have effectively treated your lepidopteraphobia, the nightmares will cease, but if they change form, feel free to email me by clicking on my profile, here at Y!A. No coffee within 6 hrs of bedtime!!!

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Wow! thanks so much! I hope that that works. I will try it. Also, I'd like to thanks Kuljo, Riki S, CB and C C C for their contributions. CC and CB, I will try what you said as well.

Answer 2

You do not want to lock a memory away..you want to deactivate the memory..you could use the techniques in the "Why you dont want to live" report It is online and it has techniques that stop depression and suicidal thoughts but you can use it to stop the bad memories also
http://suiciderateup.wordpress.com/about…

Answer 3

Explore your mind. Think hard about the horrible memories and dreams so that they stick even if your mind wanders off. Don't be put off - it will work. Then imagine even harder a big thick silver box with a strong keyhole. Pick up the memories and dreams and lock them in this box. Then throw away the key, and if you want them to never ever come back, secure the box with a ribbon or close up the keyhole.
If you have nightmares and memories every day and night, you should see a doctor and he/she will give you a medication if it is a serious problem - but sometimes it's natural.

Answer 4

Yes there is. Work work work. I feel the same way. I have 2 jobs. Go from the one to the other. When i get home i am so tired that i don't have time to think about the hurt. Stay busy. There are different ways we deal with it. Don't leave it. There are anti depressant tablets. See your doctor about it.

Answer 5

Depending on what memory you have it is good to consult with a help of a good friend or an understanding parent or sibling . Are you experiencing any stress in your life now ? Do you use any harmful street drugs ? Did something terrible happen to you to cause you to have these bad memories ?Suppress memories are lock in your system and the best way to do is talk about it or otherwise it will eat you away . Thinking of being suicidal , is serious , and you should try seek help from a councelor who may referred you someone who will understand . Don't wait to long to seek help do it now .