Sometimes we remember something that happened when we were young as if it was yesterday, right? But sometimes we can't find where we put our keys five minutes ago, and we're left scratching our heads. Why does this happen? How does this amazing thing called memory work? How does our brain have this ability to learn new things and accumulate experience every day? Let's talk about it today.
What exactly is memory?
Simply put, memory is the ability of our brain to acquire information from various experiences, store it, and recall it when needed. Our brain is an amazing network of about 86 billion nerve cells, or neurons, and more than 10 trillion connections between them, or synapses . It is through this network that all our thoughts, feelings, and memories are created.
Sometimes information is not stored properly, and other times we forget things. Usually, forgetting things like this is not a big problem. But if you have persistent memory loss, it could be a sign of a serious condition like Alzheimer's or dementia . So if you have any doubts about something like this, the best thing to do is to see your doctor and talk about it.
When we recall memories, we often try to think about the happy times in our lives. None of us like to dwell on bad things. But for some people, especially those who suffer from conditions like anxiety or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) , it is very difficult to escape these bad memories. So, understanding what memory is and why we remember only certain things well can help us understand ourselves.
There are three main types of memory.
Not all of our memories are the same. Some fade away in seconds, while others last a lifetime. Scientists divide them into three main types. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Type of memory | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Sensory Memory | This is the first stage of memory. It is when things perceived by our five senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin) are stored in the brain for a few seconds. For example, something like the color of a car you suddenly see while driving down the road. |
| Short-term memory | This is what we are thinking about at a certain moment. It's like trying to remember a phone number someone called. These memories are often quickly forgotten. In this case, we can only remember about 15-30 pieces of information at a time. |
| Long-term memory | This is like the "hard disk" in our brain. Information is stored here for days, years, and perhaps a lifetime. Things like your name, how you went to school, your friends, and childhood events are all stored in this memory. |
How does our memory work?
The formation of a memory is like a three-step process. We remember something only if these three steps happen exactly.
1. Encoding: This is the first step. What happens here is that our brain converts the information we receive from the outside world (something we see, something we hear) into a "code" that we can understand. Imagine that when you bring a new book to a library, its details are written on a card, labeled, and categorized. Our brain also sorts and encodes the things we see, hear, and feel in a similar way.
2. Storage: This is the process of storing encoded information in the brain. Some information is stored in short-term memory, while information that is considered important goes into long-term memory. It's like putting a labeled book on a shelf in a library.
3. Retrieval: This is the process of retrieving stored information when needed. It's like finding the book you need on the library shelf. Sometimes this doesn't work. Memories weaken over time, and we forget things.
Remember, when you repeat something, when you study, the connections (synapses) between neurons in the brain become stronger. It's like walking along a road, the road becomes better. That's why you remember things better when you repeat them.
Why do we only remember certain things?
There is no single answer to this. It varies from person to person. Because our brains decide what is "important" and what is "unimportant" information.
Imagine the day you saw the sea for the first time. That joy, that sound of the sea, that smell... you will never forget it. Because it is recorded in your brain as an 'important, special experience'. In the same way, we remember very well even if it is a very sad event. Because the brain considers things associated with strong emotions as important.
But something as simple as what you had for lunch yesterday is not that important to the brain. So things like that are quickly forgotten. That means your experiences and emotions determine which memories last in your mind.
What impact do memories have on our lives?
Memories are not just a collection of past events. They can have a profound impact on our current state of mind.
Happy memories are especially powerful. When you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or sad, think back to a happy event in your life (like a trip with friends or a celebration with family). You'll find that it brings a little relief.
Research has found that when we reflect on a happy memory, certain parts of our brain that control our thoughts become more active. This helps us fight against conditions like stress and depression .
On the other hand, people with conditions like depression often think about bad memories. When this happens, the pathways that lead to those bad thoughts become stronger in the brain. One of the best ways to break this cycle is to consciously train your brain to think about happy memories. It may be difficult at first, but with practice, you will be able to replace bad thoughts with good ones when they come to you.
Take-Home Message
- Our memory is a complex process of acquiring, storing, and recalling information.
- Memory is divided into three main types: sensory, short-term, and long-term.
- Forgetting things is usually not a big problem. But if memory loss persists or affects your daily activities, be sure to see a doctor .
- Happy memories are a powerful tool to combat conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression.
- When bad thoughts come, you can consciously train your brain to think of good memories. This is very important for mental well-being.
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