When an individual experiences age regression, they go back to their younger selves. They might go back a few years in age, or, in rare instances, they might go back to being young children or infants.
Regression is a common and transient condition in children, and it can be a coping mechanism for stress and untreated trauma in adults. Regressive actions include baby talk, thumb-sucking, and tantrums, for instance. Both voluntary and involuntary actions can be considered here.
In this article, age regression’s definition, stigmas associated with it, and use in psychological therapy are all discussed.
What is Age Regression?
A temporary or permanent return of behavior to earlier developmental stages is known as age regression. Although it does happen to adults occasionally, it is normal and expected in children.
To cope with trauma, stress, serious illness, or mental health issues, people occasionally act in a childlike manner. Whether unconscious (involuntary) or conscious (voluntary), age regression can occur.
A subtly noticeable example is when someone who used to thumb-suck as a child chews on a pen when they are anxious or trying to concentrate. More severe regression can include crying in a fetal position and bed-wetting.
Types of Age Regression
Age regression can be divided into two categories: involuntary and voluntary.
Involuntary Age Regression
Involuntary age regression is when you are unintentionally returning to a younger mental state; you did not choose to carry out this behavior.
Voluntary
As a self-help or self-soothing technique, some people purposefully go back to a younger mental state to block out anxiety, challenging emotions, or personal problems.
To make sure it’s not a symptom of a more serious mental health problem and to learn how to do it safely, if you do this frequently, you may want to speak with a therapist.
Along with hypnotherapy, age regression is another therapeutic method that is possible.
“[This] therapy allows patients to relive earlier memories and experiences,” explains Bruno. “It is frequently used to assist patients in resolving past conflicts and confronting memories that might be jeopardizing their current mental health.”
It’s a somewhat contentious therapy technique because some therapists think this practice might result in the formation of false memories.
Symptoms of Age Regression
Symptoms of involuntary age regression can include:
- Crying
- Being mute
- Using baby talk
- Rocking
- Pacing
- Whining
- Curling up in the fetal position
- Hugging a comfort object like a stuffed animal or blanket
- Having a temper tantrum
Symptoms of voluntary age regression could include:
- Sucking on your thumb or a pacifier
- Playing with kid’s toys
- Using children’s utensils or sippy cups
- Creating a space filled with childlike objects
- Wearing kid’s clothes
Is Age Regression Safe?
Age regression doesn’t come with any inherent risk. Make sure you’re in a secure environment and with people who are familiar with this technique if you use it as a self-help or relaxation technique.
However, you should seek help from a mental health professional if you discover that you are going backward in time without your consent. You might be displaying signs of a deeper problem that requires a different approach.
Age Regression Therapy
Clinicians have differing opinions about the efficacy of age regression as a therapeutic technique. It’s used with hypnosis to help individuals process and reframe past trauma or significant experiences. To help the patient regress to their mental state at the time of the incident, the therapist may use hypnosis.
This method is also applied in forensic investigations to aid witnesses in recalling details of particular incidents. The likelihood that the person will create false memories is a concern for the method’s detractors.Benefits of Hypnosis
General types of hypnosis may help with:
- Fears and anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Depression
- Stress
- Post-trauma anxiety
- Grief
- Smoking cessation (stop smoking)
- Overeating
Hypnosis that focuses on regression remains controversial for several reasons, including:
- False memory syndrome: Memories gained during hypnosis are not trustworthy and can unintentionally create false memories.10
- Preconceived ideas: The therapist may have preconceived notions or opinions about the patients that result in misleading or false recommendations.
- Lack of training: Some hypnotists, according to detractors, are not necessarily licensed therapists. They might not be equipped to assist if serious emotional distress arises if they lack the necessary training.
If you think hypnosis might be something you’d like to try, it’s crucial to locate a trained mental health professional who is qualified to do so.
Conclusion
When you mentally go back to a previous age, age regression occurs. You may act childishly as well as feel as though you’ve returned to that time in your life. Age regression might be a sign of a mental health issue like PTSD or dissociative identity disorder.
If you experience age regression symptoms or are curious to learn more, consult your healthcare provider.
Does Age Regressive Behavior Come and Go?
Depending on what caused the age regression, yes. Stress, traumatic memories, or triggers are frequently associated with age regression brought on by personality disorders or trauma. When they are linked to a neurological condition like dementia or head injury, regressive behaviors may persist longer.
Is Age Regression Considered a Mental Health Condition?
Regression into old age is not a mental illness. A mental health disorder like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociative identity disorder, schizophrenia, or mood disorders may show symptoms of involuntary age regression. Regressing to a younger age voluntarily can help people cope or unwind.
