--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When something bad happens to us…" description: "\"“When something bad happens to us, especially when we are young, our brains will sometimes protect us from it until we are strong enough to deal with t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c2/gwen-hayes-9374_strong-enough_when-something-bad-happens-to-us-especia_1204551.jpg" --- # When something bad happens to us, especially when we are… ![“When something bad happens to us, especially when we are young, our brains will sometimes protect us from it until we are strong enough to deal with the issue. It's not uncommon for people to completely black out an experience for years and revisit it only when they feel safe enough to face it.” quote by Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c2/gwen-hayes-9374_strong-enough_when-something-bad-happens-to-us-especia_1204551.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c2/gwen-hayes-9374_strong-enough_when-something-bad-happens-to-us-especia_1204551.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c2/gwen-hayes-9374_strong-enough_when-something-bad-happens-to-us-especia_1204551.jpg) > ““When something bad happens to us, especially when we are young, our brains will sometimes protect us from it until we are strong enough to deal with the issue. It's not uncommon for people to completely black out an experience for years and revisit it only when they feel safe enough to face it.”” [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The mind can block painful memories until we feel ready to confront them, protecting us during vulnerable periods. **In simple terms:** Our brains hide trauma until we’re strong enough to face it. Key Takeaway Allow time for healing before revisiting trauma. Themes psychology trauma resilience Mood reflective somber Type advice psychological When to use this quote - childhood adversity - therapy sessions - personal reflection - supportive relationships Key Concepts memory suppression emotional safety Questions to Reflect On - When did you first feel safe enough to recall a painful memory? - How does avoidance affect personal growth? A Different Perspective Memory may never fully return, and suppression can cause gaps in identity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bad Happens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bad-happens/) [Brains Protect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brains-protect-3626761/) [Feel Safe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feel-safe/) [Revisit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/revisit/) [Strong enough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strong-enough/) [Years Revisit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/years-revisit-3626762/) ## Related quotes > [Never revisit the past, that's dangerous. You know, move on.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-redford/never-revisit-the-past-that-s-dangerous-you-know-move-on/) [Robert Redford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-redford/) > [For the past few years my fans have made it very clear that they would like to read my novels and revisit my family…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wilbur-smith/for-the-past-few-years-my-fans-have-made-it-very-clear-that-they/) [Wilbur Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wilbur-smith/) > [While I'm working on something, every single part of me is in it. But then, once it's done, I leave that place behind. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-james/while-i-m-working-on-something-every-single-part-of-me-is-in-it-but/) [Jim James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-james/) > [Whether this was explicitly taught or implicitly caught, I grew up with the impression that when it comes to the Christian life, justification was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tullian-tchividjian/whether-this-was-explicitly-taught-or-implicitly-caught-i-grew-up/) [Tullian Tchividjian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tullian-tchividjian/) > [I was a very close friend of Dash Snow's, so whenever I get a chance to revisit his work, that's always amazing for me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-fitzpatrick/i-was-a-very-close-friend-of-dash-snow-s-so-whenever-i-get-a-chance/) [Leo Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-fitzpatrick/) > [“Just suppose that the dead do revisit the living. That something approximately to be described as Jim can return to see how George is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-isherwood/just-suppose-that-the-dead-do-revisit-the-living-that-something/) [Christopher Isherwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-isherwood/) > [It is OK to revisit the past. Just don't set up permanent residence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zahid-abas/it-is-ok-to-revisit-the-past-just-don-t-set-up-permanent-residence/) [Zahid Abas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zahid-abas/) > [“The ultimate luxury is to reread: to revisit a book to see how time has treated it, how memory has distorted it, or how…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-upchurch/the-ultimate-luxury-is-to-reread-to-revisit-a-book-to-see-how-time/) [Michael Upchurch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-upchurch/) > [I believe that it is appropriate for young people in society to revisit Malcolm's journey and his role in history.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilyasah-shabazz/i-believe-that-it-is-appropriate-for-young-people-in-society-to/) [Ilyasah Shabazz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilyasah-shabazz/) > [To get over the past, you need to accept that the past is over. No matter how many times you revisit it, analyze it,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhishek-tiwari/to-get-over-the-past-you-need-to-accept-that-the-past-is-over-no/) [Abhishek Tiwari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhishek-tiwari/) > [“Inside each of us are memories, fantasies and desires for home - a shelter waiting to be built, a place of peace to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louisa-thomsen-brits/inside-each-of-us-are-memories-fantasies-and-desires-for-home-a/) [Louisa Thomsen Brits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louisa-thomsen-brits/) > [I am a rereader. Quality is variety if you wait long enough. Barthes, Baudelaire, Benjamin, Celine, Duras, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, Melville: There is so much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-kushner/i-am-a-rereader-quality-is-variety-if-you-wait-long-enough-barthes/) [Rachel Kushner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-kushner/) > [I think what we find, especially with the kids that grew up with 'Clone Wars,' when they're of the age where they're like, 'I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-filoni/i-think-what-we-find-especially-with-the-kids-that-grew-up-with-clone/) [Dave Filoni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-filoni/) > [If there's something I really like or a chord progression, I write a note in my Blackberry, and maybe a year later, I'll revisit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-shadows/if-there-s-something-i-really-like-or-a-chord-progression-i-write-a/) [M. Shadows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-shadows/) > [One thing I really envy about my friends who have kids is that as their children develop, they're able to revisit their own developmental…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-palahniuk/one-thing-i-really-envy-about-my-friends-who-have-kids-is-that-as/) [Chuck Palahniuk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-palahniuk/) ## More by Gwen Hayes > [“Taking Mike home is a great idea," Donny said. "See you tomorrow. Thanks for your help." Gabe kissed her hand. "I'll be back in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/taking-mike-home-is-a-great-idea-donny-said-see-you-tomorrow-thanks/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“And then I met this girl.” He paused, his fingers finding mine in a tight squeeze. “And she made all my dark corners light”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/and-then-i-met-this-girl-he-paused-his-fingers-finding-mine-in-a/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“He walked backwards a few more steps and brought Brittany’s hand to his lips without taking his eyes off me. My hand tingled where…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/he-walked-backwards-a-few-more-steps-and-brought-brittany-s-hand-to/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“Plus my boots were made of awesome.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/plus-my-boots-were-made-of-awesome/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“Some girls will love you for your intelligence, your spirit, or your smile. Some girls will fall all over themselves if you even make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/some-girls-will-love-you-for-your-intelligence-your-spirit-or-your/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“I just called to tell you good night. Get some sleep, Theia. Tomorrow is a big day.” “I would sleep much better if you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/i-just-called-to-tell-you-good-night-get-some-sleep-theia-tomorrow-is/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“Who was your first kiss?” Heat rushed into my face. I flattered myself by thinking maybe he wanted to kiss me. I wished he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/who-was-your-first-kiss-heat-rushed-into-my-face-i-flattered-myself/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“She wiped her eye and pressed her lips together. “I sleep in your room. I’m fairly pathetic about it, really. I wear your T-shirts…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/she-wiped-her-eye-and-pressed-her-lips-together-i-sleep-in-your-room/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“Just because you took too much for granted before, doesn't mean you can't learn from your mistakes.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/just-because-you-took-too-much-for-granted-before-doesn-t-mean-you/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“Every time that boy smiles, somewhere a puppy died.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/every-time-that-boy-smiles-somewhere-a-puppy-died/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“So he was a sweet-talking, cross-dressing, fortune-telling...surfer?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/so-he-was-a-sweet-talking-cross-dressing-fortune-telling-surfer/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“Theia: "We're very high up here, aren't we?" Haden: "Well, you certainly are. Theia, I need you to wake up." Theia: "Did you know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/theia-we-re-very-high-up-here-aren-t-we-haden-well-you-certainly-are/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“Some high school boys define themselves by their peers, some by their dreams, and some by their wallets. They are characterized by their family…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/some-high-school-boys-define-themselves-by-their-peers-some-by-their/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“Repressing is a natural instinct, but it doesn't allow for healing. Coming out of repression can be very similar to reliving the original fear.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/repressing-is-a-natural-instinct-but-it-doesn-t-allow-for-healing/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) > [“Empty of anything that defined it as real. That was how I felt sometimes. I existed in a world made for show, not depth,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwen-hayes/empty-of-anything-that-defined-it-as-real-that-was-how-i-felt/) [Gwen Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) [Explore all 71 Gwen Hayes quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwen-hayes/) ## More Revisit quotes > [Never revisit the past, that's dangerous. You know, move on.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-redford/never-revisit-the-past-that-s-dangerous-you-know-move-on/) [Robert Redford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-redford/) > [If there's something I really like or a chord progression, I write a note in my Blackberry, and maybe a year later, I'll revisit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-shadows/if-there-s-something-i-really-like-or-a-chord-progression-i-write-a/) [M. Shadows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-shadows/) > [I think what we find, especially with the kids that grew up with 'Clone Wars,' when they're of the age where they're like, 'I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-filoni/i-think-what-we-find-especially-with-the-kids-that-grew-up-with-clone/) [Dave Filoni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-filoni/) > [I am a rereader. Quality is variety if you wait long enough. Barthes, Baudelaire, Benjamin, Celine, Duras, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, Melville: There is so much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-kushner/i-am-a-rereader-quality-is-variety-if-you-wait-long-enough-barthes/) [Rachel Kushner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-kushner/) > [“Inside each of us are memories, fantasies and desires for home - a shelter waiting to be built, a place of peace to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louisa-thomsen-brits/inside-each-of-us-are-memories-fantasies-and-desires-for-home-a/) [Louisa Thomsen Brits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louisa-thomsen-brits/) > [To get over the past, you need to accept that the past is over. No matter how many times you revisit it, analyze it,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhishek-tiwari/to-get-over-the-past-you-need-to-accept-that-the-past-is-over-no/) [Abhishek Tiwari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhishek-tiwari/) > [I believe that it is appropriate for young people in society to revisit Malcolm's journey and his role in history.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilyasah-shabazz/i-believe-that-it-is-appropriate-for-young-people-in-society-to/) [Ilyasah Shabazz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilyasah-shabazz/) > [“The ultimate luxury is to reread: to revisit a book to see how time has treated it, how memory has distorted it, or how…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-upchurch/the-ultimate-luxury-is-to-reread-to-revisit-a-book-to-see-how-time/) [Michael Upchurch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-upchurch/) > [It is OK to revisit the past. Just don't set up permanent residence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zahid-abas/it-is-ok-to-revisit-the-past-just-don-t-set-up-permanent-residence/) [Zahid Abas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zahid-abas/) > [“Just suppose that the dead do revisit the living. That something approximately to be described as Jim can return to see how George is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-isherwood/just-suppose-that-the-dead-do-revisit-the-living-that-something/) [Christopher Isherwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-isherwood/) > [I was a very close friend of Dash Snow's, so whenever I get a chance to revisit his work, that's always amazing for me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-fitzpatrick/i-was-a-very-close-friend-of-dash-snow-s-so-whenever-i-get-a-chance/) [Leo Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-fitzpatrick/) > [Whether this was explicitly taught or implicitly caught, I grew up with the impression that when it comes to the Christian life, justification was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tullian-tchividjian/whether-this-was-explicitly-taught-or-implicitly-caught-i-grew-up/) [Tullian Tchividjian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tullian-tchividjian/) > [While I'm working on something, every single part of me is in it. But then, once it's done, I leave that place behind. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-james/while-i-m-working-on-something-every-single-part-of-me-is-in-it-but/) [Jim James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-james/) > [For the past few years my fans have made it very clear that they would like to read my novels and revisit my family…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wilbur-smith/for-the-past-few-years-my-fans-have-made-it-very-clear-that-they/) [Wilbur Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wilbur-smith/) > [One thing I really envy about my friends who have kids is that as their children develop, they're able to revisit their own developmental…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-palahniuk/one-thing-i-really-envy-about-my-friends-who-have-kids-is-that-as/) [Chuck Palahniuk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-palahniuk/) [Browse all 77 Revisit quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/revisit/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“When something bad happens to us, especially when we are young, our brains will sometimes protect us from it until we are strong enough to deal with the issue. 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