Ask Dr. Dombeck
Psychotherapy and Mental Health Questions

I am 48 years old. I have noticed that almost everything I do triggers a memory of different past humiliating or embarrassing incidents. The connections are not straightforward but very roundabout. Example: I saw a truck drive by with some school type lockers in the back. I thought back to my junior high and immediately thought of an incident of public embarrassment that occurred back then at that school. I dwelt on it, felt the old shame and didn't think of much else for quite some time until I found myself flashing back to some other completely unrelated embarrassing moment. This type of thing is constant during my waking hours. As of yet it has not interfered with my job or home life but is becoming more and more distracting (not to mention having to relive the pain of the recalled event) Is this normal for someone of my age or any age, for that matter?

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