Memories Triggering Memories
Do You Ever...?
Do you ever smell something and suddenly remember a whole day from years ago? Or hear a song and feel a strong emotion without knowing why?
That is memory chaining.
What is it?
What is a memory chain?
Your brain stores memories linked by:
- Emotions
- Places
- People
- Sounds and smells
One small trigger (like a smell or a word) can pull up a whole chain of connected memories.
Why does this happen?
ADHD brains often:
- Switch quickly between related thoughts.
- Have strong emotional memories.
- Follow memory chains during class or conversations.
This can be distracting, and sometimes emotionally overwhelming.
What can I do?
Notice when you’re riding a memory chain.
Say to yourself: “Oh, my brain just jumped from this to that.”
Use chains to help learning.
Connect new information to stories, pictures, or things you care about so it’s easier to remember.
Ground yourself when chains are upsetting.
Look around and name:
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can touch
- 3 things you can hear
This brings you back to the present moment.
Write down memories to explore later.
If something big comes up while you’re busy, jot it down and give it attention later when you have space.
Fun Fact!
While individuals with ADHD often struggle with working memory and may forget routine details, they can have an incredible ability to use associative memory—a form of “memory chaining”—to store and retrieve information in highly detailed, unexpected ways!
