MEMORY AS IMAGES[MENTAL HEALTH]

Article 1

Some helpful ways to respond when you become aware of having a distressing memory . In particular we will describe how using your capacity for creative imagery can be a powerful tool to help you reduce your distress.

Often we say that we have a memory what we mean is that we have a visual image- we can see what happened in our mind’seye. This is important because images are more closely linked to emotion than verbal thoughts. It is often said that ‘ a picture is worth a thousand words ‘ and this applies to mental picture too.

For example , if you form a vivid mental image of your favourite meal , this is more likely to make you feel hungry than if you are just thinking about what you are going to have for dinner . Similarly , Tim, ( in the section earlier ) could describe his experience in words – ‘ I was bullied ‘- but the real emotional pain for him came from image of being surrounded by people shouting and laughing at him. The picture is much more emotional than the words.

I will complete in article 2 soon.