distressing memories

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distressing memories" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to memories that cause emotional pain or discomfort. Example: "After the accident, she found herself haunted by distressing memories of that day."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It is characterized by intrusive and distressing memories or dreams, dissociative reactions, and substantial psychological or physiological distress related to the event (Table 28) [ 26].

BMC Psychiatry

Repression, In psychoanalytic theory, the exclusion of distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings from the conscious mind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Smith also has distressing memories of Desert Orchid's final appearance, in the 1991 running.

Independent

She has said she is good at "compartmentalising" her life, putting aside distressing memories of some of the most horrific crimes.

The Guardian

They may have intrusive and distressing memories and dreams, or continue to avoid people or places that evoke the circumstances of the injury, or struggle with mood problems, including depression.

The New York Times

This week's big news topic on the fanboy circuit has unearthed distressing memories for me of a certain A-list actor doing jaw-droppingly awful things to one of my most loved comic-book heroes as a kid: Daredevil.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

People who perform a cognitively demanding secondary task while recalling a distressing memory often experience the memory as less emotional, vivid, or accurate during subsequent recollections.

Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry

So pharmacological approaches to lessen the strength with which a distressing memory is locked into the brain need to be administered within that short window.

BBC

They were clinically interviewed and physiological recordings made over a two-hour period pre, during and post two acute stressors: the cold pressor test and recalling a distressing memory.

Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications

The descriptions seem faintly amusing at a distance, but both were terrifying at the time and led to distressing intrusive memories long after the patients had realised their experiences were illusory.

The Guardian

It signifies the division of territory, independence and the birth of new states, alongside distressing personal memories and potent collective imaginings of the "other".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing mental health or trauma, use "distressing memories" to accurately convey the emotional impact without sensationalizing the experience.

Common error

Avoid using "distressing memories" repetitively in your writing. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "traumatic recollections" or "painful memories" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distressing memories" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes memories that cause emotional pain or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distressing memories" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe recollections that cause emotional pain or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms this. Primarily found in science and news media contexts, it serves to highlight the negative psychological impact of specific memories. While versatile, it's important to use synonyms like "traumatic memories" or "painful recollections" in order to avoid repetition and ensure nuanced communication. By considering the context and emotional weight of the memories, you can effectively use this phrase to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traumatic memories

Emphasizes the severely damaging nature of the memories.

painful recollections

Highlights the emotional suffering associated with the memories.

unpleasant memories

A more general term for memories that cause discomfort.

upsetting memories

Focuses on the emotional disturbance caused by the memories.

troubling memories

Suggests memories that create worry or concern.

haunting memories

Implies memories that persistently affect someone.

agonizing memories

Stresses the intense suffering linked to the memories.

difficult memories

Indicates memories that are hard to cope with or recall.

disturbing memories

Highlights the unsettling nature of the memories.

negative memories

A broad term for memories with adverse emotional associations.

FAQs

How can I use "distressing memories" in a sentence?

You can use "distressing memories" to describe recollections that cause significant emotional pain or discomfort. For example, "The therapy helped her cope with the "distressing memories" of the accident".

What are some alternatives to "distressing memories"?

Alternatives include "painful recollections", "traumatic memories", or "unpleasant memories", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "distressing memories" in formal writing?

Yes, "distressing memories" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing psychological or emotional topics. However, ensure the tone and context align with the overall purpose of your writing.

What's the difference between "distressing memories" and "traumatic memories"?

"Traumatic memories" typically refer to recollections of events that caused significant psychological trauma, while "distressing memories" can encompass a broader range of unpleasant or upsetting recollections that may not necessarily be traumatic.