Symptom 10: Intense Focus on Autobiographical Details
For the average person, life’s narrative might be a series of significant milestones — graduations, weddings, births, and other key moments. But for those with HSAM, their life story isn’t just about milestones. It’s about every single day, every conversation, and every seemingly mundane detail.
Their focus on autobiographical details is intense. They don’t just remember events; they dwell on them. It’s not just about what happened, but also about how they felt, what they thought, and how they reacted.
Their memory is like a detailed personal chronicle, cataloging moments that most would overlook. The significance isn’t just placed on major life events but on everyday occurrences, making their autobiographical memory a rich tapestry of life’s highs and lows.
With such a strong focus on personal details, they often find themselves revisiting past decisions, evaluating choices, and introspecting on paths taken or avoided. This constant analysis can be both a source of wisdom and, at times, a cause for unnecessary rumination.(10)
