I’ve had an overwhelmingly positive experience when I’ve revealed that I have aphantasia to family and friends. It’s the funniest thing in the world to communicate one’s unique experiences –so many textures, layers, and depth to unpack. We generally assume that we all have similar experiences. Having to explain the absence of a mind’s eye is pretty challenging. But all my conversations shared a level of curiosity, willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in understanding my experience. I personally enjoyed my conversations with family and friends.
Interestingly enough, I also learned that I am not the only person in my immediate family to have aphantasia. I’m not sure what to do with that information but take it for what it is. Does that mean aphantasia runs in families? I’m not sure. Is aphantasia more common than we think? I’m not sure —definitely, someone to pay attention to.
From these conversations, I was also able to get my initial questions answered.
Question: How do people without aphantasia tell the difference between reality and an image from the mind’s eye?
Answer: The image produced by the mind’s eye is usually an image seen before. The person can easily distinguish these prior images as an image recall.
Question: Are the images from the mind’s eye intrusive?
Answer: Yes and no. It depends on the individual. For instance, it may be intrusive if one sees a scary movie and uses the mind’s eye to recall the monster’s face. Some folks have hyperphantasia, in which mental images are as “real” as seeing from their actual eyes –this may be intrusive to some.
Question: Can someone other than you activate your mind’s eye?
Answer: Yes, while in conversation, images are produced based on the information being presented/discussed.
Question: Is having a mind’s eye a valuable asset?
Answer: Most definitely. Research conducted by Neurologist Adam Zeman on people who lost their ability to see from their mind’s eye indicates a level of distress associated with such loss. Many individuals felt they lost the ability to relive important moments. My friends and family also acknowledged the benefits of having a mind’s eye, and some relied on this ability for some day-to-day functionality.
Question: What are the benefits?
Answer: Time and time again, I heard of the usefulness of seeing images while in conversations or the ability to relive positive memories. One can only imagine the evolutionary benefits of producing images from the mind’s eye.
Question: What are the limitations to having a mind’s eye?
Answer: This question is unique to the individual. I haven’t heard of any limitations per se, only benefits. I wonder if having a visual expression of PTSD can serve as a limitation.
Question: Is having a mind’s eye an unfair advantage or disadvantage?
Note: I no longer wish to seek out an answer to that question. It has undertones that seek to divide neurodiversity.
I have a confession. I did the most human thing after having all these conversations.
I got curious and challenged myself. I tried really hard to activate my mind’s eye. And, no matter how hard I tried, I COULD NOT figure it out.
I cheated a little when I convinced myself that I saw from my mind’s eye when I was in a dreamlike state. But in all honesty, I was lowkey dreaming. The images I produced when in a dreamlike state cannot be reproduced when I’m fully awake.
I’ve given up. I can confidently say I have aphantasia and my mind’s eye is completely shut. And I’m okay with that.
If you would like to add to the conversation, please feel free to do so. And as promised, as I learn, I will continue to share.