Symptom 8: A Vivid Visual Memory
Visual memory for most is like old television sets — some images are clear, while others are hazy, maybe even replete with static. For those with HSAM, their visual memory is akin to the latest 4K resolution TVs. Every image, every scene, every face they’ve seen is etched in their mind with crystal clarity.
If they were to think of a past event, they don’t just recall it; they replay it. It’s like having a mental projector that beams past moments in vibrant colors, down to minute details like the patterns on a dress or the way the sunlight dappled through the trees.
Ask them about a place they’ve visited, and they won’t just tell; they’ll paint a picture with their words. Their descriptions are so vivid and detailed that listeners might feel as if they’re seeing the place for themselves. Their world is not just remembered; it’s relived visually.
Such an intense visual recall, while fascinating, comes with its challenges. It can sometimes be a sensory overload, especially when negative memories come into play. An unpleasant scene from the past can become distressing when remembered in such high-definition detail. (8)
