I've been noticing more and more that I try too much to go back to my past. I'm 18 years old, but I constantly do things like go back to the town I grew up in, watch movies and shows I used to watch when I was little, look up old toys I had on Ebay, do childish activities with friends (trick-or-treating, slinkies, etc.), and watch home videos. I even checked out books I used to read from the library-ones I would read in 3rd grade. I'm scared that this is unhealthy. Shouldn't I be concerned with today and tomorrow instead of yesterday? I'm a very nostalgic person for some reason and I miss my childhood. Is this going to lead to something worse? Why am I like this?
2006-09-28 11:07:13 · 9 answers · asked by kid_at_heart 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Unless it is interfering with your normal life, I'd say no.
If you are regularly turning down dates, or frequently passing on going out with your friends, to stay home and cuddle with stuffed animals and read childrens books, I'd say yes.
You are only 18. You are in transition from the comfort and safety of carefree childhood to the rather scary rights, privileges, and responsibilities of adulthood.
It doesn't seem odd to me that you might be nostalgic about your childhood. When I was in high school (at about your age), all the girls went through phases and fads like getting children's lunch boxes to use for lunch at school, or all having stuffed toys, or watching the old cartoons, or wearing clothes with cartoon characters on them. It was simply fun.
I now live in a city about 30 miles from where I grew up. Sometimes I get so homesick that I think I will simply sit down and cry. My b/f drives me up to our hometown, and we spend the day, driving around through all the different neighborhoods we miss, seeing the sights, and going out for a meal at a nice little restaurant we both like. It makes me feel good.
I am certainly an adult, and so are the people I work with, but almost EVERYONE has toys of some kind on their desks! Slinkies, magic 8-balls, stuffed toys, dolls, etc!
Many adults like to dress up and trick or treat. Why? Because it is so much fun! :-))
Are you thinking about college? Getting a job after high school? Do you want to be more independent and get your own apartment?
If YOU think it is excessive, or a problem, or if your friends and family think it is a problem, seek counselling.
Good luck honey! :-))
2006-09-28 11:19:04 · answer #1 · answered by zen 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nostalgia in and of itself is not unhealthy. If you start to neglect your life it may not be good for you.
Sounds like you have some unfinished business from childhood, perhaps. Maybe some painful memory that your subconscious is trying to stir up and give you a chance to heal.
Check into a therapist. A master's level person such as a Licenced Proffesional Counselor or a Licenced Clinical Social Worker. These people, in a session or two, may be able to help you work it out. No need for long-term therapy.
And/Or, you can journal about it. Sometimes that does the trick.
Take Care.
2006-09-28 11:14:34 · answer #2 · answered by Jack P 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Let me tell you alittle about myself I just turn 30 and I was very sad too that I'm getting older but for some reason I also drove to my hometown wich is L.A. and went to where I lived as a child for 15 years since I was born. I parked my truck got off and looked around walk to the steps I used to play at in front of my apartment and pour my tears out. I must of cried for about 5 min. straight it felt so good I was able to just let it all out. It was very important to me I called my mom and I told her where I was at. She said it's okay and try to drive home, cause I live in Riverside anyways my point is there is nothing wrong with doing these things. It will make you feel happy!! Good Luck.
2006-09-28 11:16:23 · answer #3 · answered by Rainbow Brite 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fact that you are aware you are doing this and wonder about it is a good sign.
You might want to schedule a few sessions with a counselor to get an understanding of why you are doing this
2006-09-28 11:16:35 · answer #4 · answered by jonnyraven 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think its cute im 20 and i always look on the internet for old cartoons i use to watch from the age of like 5 like mya the bee or x-men or mighty max or garfeild or power rangers or bozo the clown i think theres nothing wrong with people like us hell i'd date you!! lol
2006-09-28 11:16:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nostalgia is something most of us indulge in from time to time on one level or another. If you feel you are over indulging and want to know why...see a counsellor. They are trained to help you find your own answers.
2006-09-28 11:15:56 · answer #6 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i agree with Jaack P, did something happen to you that made you miss your childhood? go to A specialist
2006-09-28 11:20:10 · answer #7 · answered by April A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its possibly harmfull. you arent living out a fufillng life
go try somthing new and exciting
2006-09-28 11:14:42 · answer #8 · answered by Daniel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be creative,. write a poem about it. that should help you deal with it.
2006-09-28 12:45:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋