TeenHealthFX - Answers - How Can You Completely Forget About Something Bad That Happened?

Other Emotional Health Issues / Question
Published: September 8, 2008

Dear TeenHealthFX,

How can I forget completely about something that has happened to me forever and move on with the rest of my life?

Signed: How Can You Completely Forget About Something Bad That Happened?

Dear How Can You Completely Forget About Something Bad That Happened?,

When something unpleasant or traumatic happens to a person, it is almost impossible to completely forget about. However, TeenHealthFX does not want you to lose hope – despite this there are still things you can do to help you move on with your life:

Take steps to ensure that whatever bad thing that has been happening stops happening and won’t happen again in the future. For example, if someone is being sexually or physically abused by a parent, tell a trusted adult who can get child protective services involved to ensure ongoing physical safety.

Meet with a therapist to work through the negative thoughts and emotions you have as a result of these bad experiences. Also speak with a therapist on how to manage any recurring feelings of fear, sadness, or anger as they come up, as well as how to deal with anything that serves as a trigger for negative thoughts and emotions connected to the trauma.

Consider meeting with a therapist trained in EMDR, a technique used to help people reduce the intensity of thought and emotion connected to past traumas.

Make sure you have a network of trustworthy, supportive people – therapists, family members, and friends – who can be there for you when you need encouragement, support, or someone to lean on.

FX understands that sometimes it would be wonderful to just be able to forget – but the fact that most people can’t doesn’t mean they have to remain stuck in their lives. It may take some time and work on your part, but you can move on and FX has complete faith that you will.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX