Is it simply a glimpse about the past or is it a depressive episode?
Being nostalgic is very common, especially when one is heading to a certain age. However, nostalgia is a complex emotion as it can give a feeling of warmth and comfort or pain and can signal triggers.
In recent studies, psychologists shared that nostalgia has a darker side and can do more harm than good as a coping mechanism. When individuals frequently dwell on the past, especially during difficult times, it may show an inability to cope with the present. This longing for “better days” can sometimes block out the present, leading to feelings of greater sadness and discontent.
The Link Between Nostalgia and Depression
Persistent nostalgia can be a warning sign for people dealing with depression, or in denial about it. So, here are some key points that you can take note of when determining if your thoughts are mere “remembering the past” or “opting to not face the present and future”:
You choose to avoid current issues with the excuse of a past memory.
Rather than confronting current issues, you may retreat into memories of the past, seeking peace in times when life felt more manageable. This avoidance can prevent the development of a healthy coping strategy and hinder your own personal growth.
You isolate yourself from other people around you.
When you feel like isolating yourself from the rest of the people around you just because you persist in reminiscing about how life was with other individuals in your past, then that’s a sign that nostalgia has taken over you. It can lead to intense feelings of loneliness and can become a vicious cycle.
You keep on idealizing your current life on what could have been if you choose different paths in your past.
Nostalgia paints an idealized picture of the past, and you may see it with rose-colored glasses as it covers the negative experiences. This cognitive distortion can intensify feelings of inadequacy in your present which leads to you comparing current struggles with the perceived perfection of past moments resulting in frustration and despair. It’s the great “IF ONLY!”
How to Have Healthy Nostalgia
There is such a thing as “healthy nostalgia” and here are ways for you to keep manage your own thoughts while reminiscing moments of the past:
- Be mindful: When you catch yourself thinking about the past, counteract it with meditation or deep breathing to focus on the present moment.
- Jot it down: Write everything down, both the positive and negative so you’ll get to have a better and more balanced perspective about what happened.
- Seek professional help: When everything gets overwhelming, seek professional support instead of shoving it to the side or trauma-dumping to your friends and family.
So, think fondly about the past, but let it remain that way: the past, for it can no longer be changed and what’s important is you are here in the present with a chance to make a step for a better future. Striking a balance between honoring the past and embracing the present; you got this, Sugboanon!
