Symptom 6: Time Perception Distortions
For the average person, the linearity of time is a given. Days turn to weeks, weeks to months, and memories of years gone by fade, making room for the present. However, for someone with HSAM, time can feel fluid. Their past doesn’t just remain in the background; it often merges with their present, making them perceive time differently than others.
Many of us might forget what we did two Tuesdays ago, but not someone with HSAM. Their recollection is so detailed that even routine, seemingly insignificant days from years ago are crystal clear. This constant recall makes them feel as if their past is always unfolding alongside their present, challenging the conventional sense of time’s progression.
Due to their vivid recollections, past events can sometimes feel deceptively recent. An event from ten years ago might feel as fresh as something that transpired a month ago. This fusion of timelines often means they need to consciously segregate their memories to establish a chronological order.
With such a detailed catalog of days and events, the weight of all these accumulated memories can sometimes be overwhelming. Imagine feeling the emotions and experiences of a decade within a single moment; that’s often the reality for someone with hyperthymesia.(6)
