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Can a memory lose its power if your brain is busy? Swiss researchers studied how eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) work to treat PTSD.  

EMDR targets the brain’s working memory – the part that holds and processes short-term information. It is a proven treatment for PTSD if done by a qualified therapist. The researchers reviewed 11 studies from different countries using tasks like eye movements, counting, or even playing Tetris while people recalled traumatic events. Over 600 participants included both PTSD patients and healthy adults shown distressing images. 

Results? In 9 out of 11 studies, people reported that their traumatic memories felt less vivid and emotional when they recalled them while doing another task. PTSD patients who tracked a moving object with their eyes during recall experienced stronger emotional relief, and some even saw their PTSD symptoms fade. However, these effects often wore off within 24 hours. 

Research suggests that when your brain is busy, trauma can lose its edge. So, could doing two things at once help painful memories lose their sting? It just might! When the mind is divided, trauma’s grip can weaken. Distraction isn’t avoidance! It may be a powerful path to healing.