Victims of near fatal accidents have been known to have little and sometimes, no recollection of the post trauma events. Memory loss, mutism and confusion are some of the recognised post trauma presentations.
Emotional trauma is no different. Adverse experiences can result in numbing or injury of mental processes, that little is recalled of events after the trauma or that which is recalled is muddled up. It is therefore no wonder, that trauma victims may become distressed trying to give details required to help them.
Bringing distressing emotions to the surface may result in a mind battle, as protective processes in the mind attempt to suppress memories of stressful events in a bid to avoid pain.
If a friend is struggling in recollecting details of an event, it may be thay the recollection is more painful than it appears and one resuscitated memory triggers further recollections that are more distressing. Be a patient listener and support those who may seem to find it hard to express themselves.
Think trauma! Trauma is not only physical it could be mental too! A little kindness could make a world of difference.