Symptom 5: The Phantom Limb: Absence of Emotion Towards Past Experiences
A peculiar symptom of dissociative amnesia is an absence of emotion towards past experiences, which can be compared to the phenomenon of a phantom limb. Just as a person might feel an amputated limb’s presence, individuals with dissociative amnesia can recall certain events but feel emotionally disconnected from them.
These individuals can discuss certain past events without experiencing the emotions typically associated with them. For instance, they might talk about a tragic event without any trace of sorrow or a joyous occasion without a hint of happiness. It’s as though they’re recounting someone else’s experiences, with their emotional responses being eerily absent.
This emotional disconnection can have a profound impact on an individual’s relationships and overall well-being. While they might be able to remember certain people or events, the emotional depth that enriches these memories is missing. This can make the individual feel like an outsider in their life, as if they’re observing it from a distance.
Imagine recounting a loved one’s wedding or a memorable vacation without feeling any joy, excitement, or nostalgia. The experiences are still there, but they’re like hollow shells, devoid of the emotional richness that breathes life into them. (5)
