hi!! im sorry if this is a weird question, but what is age regressing like?? is it like a conscious thing? sorry idk how to word it 😭 I think I age regress when I’m upset and stuff but I’m not sure? ok sorry if this is weird I just want to learn as much as I can 😕
This is tricky because age regression can be different things for different people.
It can be on purpose, or by accident, but to me it is a mix of both. The best way I can describe it is that it is like sleeping. If I want to go to sleep, I can put PJs on and crawl into bed, which are things I associate with sleep. Usually, I don't fall asleep right away, it takes a bit to become sleepy and drift into sleep. Sometimes, I am tired and it is easy to sleep. Sometimes, despite trying to sleep and using things I associate with sleep, I lie there awake at night not being able to fall asleep. Some people get so exhausted they accidently fall asleep at inconvenient times, like at school or work. This is similar to how regression can work.
Regressing due to a trigger is called "impure regression" and is involuntary. Involuntary impure regression on the outside can look like loss of skills and a return to how someone much younger would deal with upset. On the inside it can look like feeling overwhelmed, confused, scared, or like you are "too small" to deal with being upset and you forgot how to cope. In my metaphor, this would be to reaching a point of reaching exhaustion ( which for regression would instead be caused by facing a trigger, feeling overwhelm, burn out, fear, etc.) that they accidentally fall asleep.
What you often see on social media, is "pure regression" which is typically voluntary. In my metaphor, this is like taking a warm bath, putting on cozy PJs, and crawling into bed. While accidentally falling asleep is unpleasant, cozying up and purposely going to sleep when you want is much better. For regressors that participate in pure regression, this can often look like putting on a kid's TV show, coloring, playing with toys, or eating a snack they associate with their childhood. This type of regression can feel relaxing, playful, creative, or fun.
If you are experiencing impure regression, this is a sign you have mental health problems that need to be addressed. If you are able, please seek the care of a mental health care provider.
