For most of us, embarrassing or painful memories fade over time, but not for Rebecca Sharrock and Emily Nash. They have a rare condition called Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM), or Hyperthymesia, which lets them remember nearly every detail of their lives. Part of just 0.00001% of the population, these women opened up to 60 Minutes Australia about the joys and burdens of perfect recall (60 Minutes Australia/YouTube).
Rebecca, diagnosed in 2013, can recall 95% of her life, from babyhood to now. She told 60 Minutes Australia that her mind is flooded with uninvited memories, flashing back to random moments day and night. These aren’t just images—they bring back the exact feelings she had, whether joyful or painful. Reliving a tough moment from when she was three feels as raw as if she’s still that age, even though she’s now an adult with a mature perspective.
Emily compares her memory to a calendar where every date is a vivid movie she can replay. She remembers learning to walk as a toddler, even the thrill of her parents chasing her around the house as she ran for the first time. She told 60 Minutes Australia she might have mastered walking and running in one day, a memory that stands out sharply. Her ability to pull up any day’s details is both a gift and a challenge.
The downside of HSAM is tough, Rebecca shared. Painful memories hit hard, bringing back the same emotions she felt years ago. In 2022, she told The Guardian that people sometimes think she’s holding onto negativity, but the memories come on their own, and there aren’t many ways to manage them (The Guardian, 2022). Living with such a rare condition can feel isolating, as few understand what it’s like.
Rebecca and Emily’s stories are a window into a rare world where every moment sticks. While their condition is extraordinary, it comes with unique struggles, from overwhelming flashbacks to a lack of tailored support. Their openness about HSAM shows the beauty and complexity of the human mind, making their experiences both inspiring and thought-provoking.
