How to finally forget what you want to forget If you have a past you wish to erase from your memory, we have some methods to help you forget the past more easily.

          No one wants to keep bad memories, but the more we try to forget, the more our minds seem to reinforce those old stories. In the end, we find it hard to shake off the past we want to forget. However, from this moment on, we believe everyone can forget those unwanted memories more easily by following the methods to forget the past that we are about to present.

  1. Don't try to forget
              You read that right; we say don't try to completely forget what you want to erase. Psychological studies show that when we tell ourselves to forget something, we often end up remembering it even more deeply. Trying to forget is like recalling that memory repeatedly, reinforcing it little by little. So how can we forget that memory?
              Therefore, there's no need to stop yourself from thinking about it. When thoughts arise, let them drift away, and acknowledge that you're thinking about it again. View that thought as something natural, and eventually, you'll become accustomed to it and be able to forget.
  2. Keep yourself busy
              Try to find activities to keep yourself occupied. For those who enjoy reading, books can help heal the mind. If you prefer entertainment, go watch a movie, listen to music, or if you're into sports, enroll in sports classes. When we have many activities to do each day, there won't be time to dwell on the past.
  1. Stay close to friends
              For those with many friends, try to meet up often and spend more time with them. Having people who understand and share similar experiences will make you feel comfortable, and negative thoughts will be less likely to intrude.
  2. Engage in volunteer work
              There are many volunteer opportunities available. So, if you have some time and want to gain new experiences and meet new people, volunteering is a great option. Importantly, volunteering allows us to think more about others than ourselves, which can make our own troubles seem less significant.
  1. Share your feelings with someone
              Even if it's a painful experience that you desperately want to forget, keeping it to yourself will only make that memory more entrenched. So, if there's someone you can trust, try sharing your bad memories with them. Or, if you don't trust anyone, you can call a mental health hotline at 1323 to talk to someone. Letting someone on the other end know about your negative memories can help release them from your mind, making you feel lighter.
  2. Practice meditation
              If you feel your thoughts are constantly swirling and distracting, try finding a peaceful spot where you feel comfortable, like a temple, the beach, or a spacious park. These places can help calm your mind and allow you to focus on the present. If you have the opportunity, consider trying meditation or mindfulness practices to help bring peace to your mind.
  3. Think about others
              Can you believe that the reason you haven't forgotten those old, painful memories might be because you're only thinking about yourself? So, try shifting your perspective to think about others. Understand other people's lives, take time to help, or listen to their problems. You might realize that you're not the only one struggling with the inability to forget the past; many others have their own life challenges. This can open your heart to acceptance.
  4. Seek psychological treatment
              For those who feel their condition is severe, experiencing stress or depression, it's advisable to consult a psychiatrist for psychological therapy. The psychiatrist may choose to use therapeutic techniques, hypnosis to help forget painful memories, or gradually confront those memories to train the mind to cope better with them until they become ordinary or can be forgotten.
  5. Medication
              In cases of severe symptoms, stress, and depression, another way to help forget the painful past is through psychiatric medication. The psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressants such as fluoxetine, escitalopram, or sertraline. These medications typically take about 2-3 weeks to start working. However, if you wish to forget using this method, you must first consult a psychiatrist.
  6. Give time to heal
              "Time will heal everything." While this sounds beautiful, it's easier said than done. However, we must acknowledge that time does help. We just need to live our best life alongside every moment. Take care of both your body and mind, and we believe that one day you will be able to forget what you don't want to remember.

    7.           If anyone has something they want to forget wholeheartedly, we wish you all the strength to overcome those painful memories soon. And don't forget to apply these 10 methods to forget what you don't want to remember :)

    Thank you for the information from
    Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University, medicalnewstoday

  

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Thank you for the information and images from: health.kapook.com: 10 Ways to Forget What You Don't Want to Remember and Let Go of Painful Memories