Remembering is generally a two-stage process involving dialogue between the conscious and subconscious parts of the brain. The subconscious opens proceedings by throwing up the relevant memory, an act which releases self-congratulatory endorphins.
Well done, matey, says the conscious. That memory is really useful right now, and I couldn't remember where I'd put it.
You and me, pal, says the subconscious, delighted to have its contribution acknowledged for once, we're in this together.
Then the conscious reviews the memory in its in-tray and sends a message down to the sphincter telling it to prepare for the worst.
Why did you remind me of this? the conscious rails against the subconscious. This is awful. Terrible. I didn't want to remember this. Why the Zark do you think I shoved it to the back of my brain?
That's the last time I help you out, the subconscious mutters and retreats to the darker sections of itself where nasty thoughts are housed. I don't need you, it tells itself. I can make myself another personality out of these things you've discarded. And so the seeds of schizophrenia are sown with kernels of childhood bullying, neglect, low self-esteem, and prejudice.