Exploring the Psychology of Fantasizing About Traumatic Events: A Personal Reflection

Imagine a young teenager who has always found solace in imagining traumatic events, either to cope with reality or to prepare for a more challenging future. This article delves into the self-reported experiences of a person who has been engaging in such fantasies since the age of six, reflecting on the underlying reasons and psychological nuances of this behavior. Through a combination of personal insights and psychological theories, we will explore the complexities of this phenomenon.

Introduction to the Phenomenon

Fantasizing about events we've seen or heard about is a natural human activity that serves as a form of creative preparation for the future. It is a normal part of our psychological development into adulthood. Despite its commonality, the reasons behind such behavior can be multifaceted. For a young individual, this practice was not merely a pastime but a complex emotional response to the traumas experienced.

The Behavioral Pattern

This behavior started at an unusually young age: around six years old and has persisted well into adulthood, albeit 18 years later. The individual hypothesizes several reasons for this prolonged engagement with traumatic fantasies:

The sensation of past traumas may not have been significant enough to fully impact present-day issues. A belief that, with time and resilience, these improbable events could be ‘beaten’ and not allowed to cause further harm. An enhanced level of awareness and vigilance that may facilitate quicker reaction and adaptation to one’s environment.

The Role of the Subconscious Mind

From a psychological perspective, the fantasies were not considered a fabricated narrative but an expression resulting from the subconscious mind. The subconscious can act as a repository of subconscious or past-life memories, often since childhood. Sukenemya, a Hindu concept, references the Akashic Records, suggesting that past events are recorded within the subconscious and can influence present thoughts and behavior.

It’s important to note that the individual's perception of these psychological experiences has been misunderstood. The occurrence of these ideas was not subjective but a direct reflection from the subconscious mind. This perception of an event as a fantasy may arise from the individual’s awareness or lack thereof of subconscious influences.

Psychological Implications

Motivations for engaging in these fantasies are complex. It could be a way to assert oneself, to feel unique and to have a personal narrative. Alternatively, there might have been a deeper need for attention that was not fulfilled.

Genetic imprints play a role in this phenomenon as well. Traumatic events experienced by parents can leave impressions on the minds of their children, sometimes leading to a collective trauma that spans generations. The statement that it takes 7 generations to overcome personal trauma aligns with this idea, suggesting a hereditary influence on psychological well-being.

The Social and Emotional Context

The need for attention and the desire to be special are profound, but there are also social and emotional factors that contribute to the behavior of fantasizing about traumatic events. Feeling lonely, or in the case of the individual's experience, a lack of friends, adds a layer of emotional distress. The idea of sympathy for the pain of not having friends may have provided a sense of connection or perhaps an outlet for emotional expression.

Ultimately, the article emphasizes that the fantasies are not meant to thrive on misfortune or personal downturns. The practice stems from a deeper psychological need to cope, adapt, and find meaning in life. While drama and misfortunes can attract attention, true and lasting psychological well-being comes from a sense of contentment and resilience in the face of adversity.