What if you were a doctor who could wipe clean the memories of people...?

Question

Suppose you knew someone (who you loved with all your heart) who was severely depressed. (Not depressed by chemical imbalance, but depressed because their life had been so horrible and difficult for them to work through) They were so depressed that they felt like they had nothing to live for and medication was not helping. Suppose this person had attempted suicide twice, but, kept getting saved. Would you do a procedure on them where they could have their minds wiped clean of all the pain? (They could start anew, get a new name, new identity, new family who would create for them who they were...) The catch is that the procedure makes them forget you and all of their old life in the process.

Answer 1

I really hope that that isn't what is going on in your life or in someone else's life that you know. Just pray to God for answers and peace for the individual.

"Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you."

-1 Peter 5:7 KJV

"Come unto me all ye that are weary and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  -Matthew 11:28 KJV (Jesus speaking in that verse.)

"And he said, the things which are impossible with man are possible with God." -Luke 18:27 KJV (Jesus speaking again.)

If this is a hypothetical situation then it depends. Were the situation so grim and horrible, I would seriously consider doing the frontal lobotomy on this family member.

Answer 2

Wiping clean the memories is in effect killing the person.  They no longer exist as a blank slate.

Answer 3

it's like tabula rasa again? starting again??? we'll if i were that doctor,,,,h**l i'll d**n be very rich!!! many people like to forget their past.... because their past make them insane... if i willl be able to wipe their memory away, i'll do, of course, with their consent..

Answer 4

I'd put ur practical suggestion to the law-enforcers and their medical experts;strongly suggesting that we all could make a worthwhile impact re-assigning convicted criminal minds;especially convicted evil murderers and the like.

(p.s. i would not want any unconvicted non-criminals to undergo the procedure,even if possible).

Answer 5

You might be able to wipe out the memories, but you can't wipe out the pain.  I remember very little of my childhood.  My mind has done this for me on its own.  Sometimes, I think it's a great thing that our mind can block traumatic events (I know there was physical abuse, but I remember very little of it).  Other times, I wish I knew what was back there making me who I am today.  I've actually considered seeking help to restore these memories, so I can deal with them.  I know there has to be reason for some of the personality traits that I don't care much for.

I wouldn't do what you are proposing.  It's much easier to resolve a problem when you know what it is, in the first place.  I'd be more inclined to recommend removing the person from the situation and seeking counseling.

Answer 6

If somebadoy was that depressed and so miserable I would wipe their memory clean.

I believe that there are good people who had unfortunate circumstance happend in there life. Unfortunately they dont become strong but more vunerable.

Think of the people who get raped, or people that are brought up in a bad place, who have no chance at succeeding.

Answer 7

No, I would not do that. If I did, I'd be the one being in his or her place of that pain. Sure, I'd like to do something about his/her pain, but its not worth replacing memories with a new beginning. I'd like to help share his/her pain. Besides, its like switching off who's going to have that pain for some time.

Advantages:

New life style

New memories

A new beginning

Disadvantages:

Not remembering how we met

Everything is gone

Answer 8

I would not perform this procedure.  I think it would be highly unethical to perform a procedure of this type on any person.  We don't get to choose which cards we are dealt, we can only decide how we play those cards once we have them.  To rebuild a person's memory falsely, even if with good intentions, is kind of scary.  Imagine this technology in the wrong hands.  Should we even develop it?  I'm very skeptical.  I think we should work on better ways to treat depression rather than relying on memory wipes.

Answer 9

What would they learn from this? Nothing . . . They should be brave and think to the happiest and believe that everything wold be fine. Just have faith and believe they can make things better.  Ive done it and im sure getting to a better life than before. It's all in your head. And I definetely learned alot about becoming happy and to succeed from this experience.

Answer 10

In turn it doesn't effect the person its being done to but the people around them...because they dont know what they've lost or gained they don't even know what took place.if anything I would feel bad for the peers of said person but I'd do it if someone really wanted me to.