Is it normal or even possible for adults to regress (go back to an earlier stage and do something they did/enjoyed earlier in life) when faced with a painful or stressful, emotional obstacle?
When I say regression, i'm talking about episodes where the person might go back to thumb sucking, cuddling a teddy, bed wetting.. that sort of thing??
Is there an easy way of coping/overcoming all of it?
2007-05-23 15:50:48 · 11 answers · asked by Are we done yet? 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Yes it is possiable, and happens a lot. For some it will be normal for them, cause they will have an illiness that takes them back there. For others it is not normal. I really do not believe that there is an easy way to overcome this, you need to go to a doctor, family doctor, and see if your bladder is weak, or if it is just emotional, then you should go and see a professional and find out why, what has caused you to regress back to that time, cause you will find that there usually is a reason, something had happen back then, and sometimes you don't remember it . Until things like that start to happen, then when you go to therapy, and things start comeing out, well it will make every thing fit, be in place, and you can over come what ever is happening with therapy.
sometimes like cuddy a teddy bear, or rocking, or thumb sucking is a comfort thing, that makes you feel better, and feel safe.
2007-05-23 16:02:24 · answer #1 · answered by Ladyofathousandfaces 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is fairly common, 200,000+ in the U.S. alone.
Regression is usually caused by high stress levels or a stimuli (for example a certain book or tv show that you always saw or read when you sucked your thumb as a kid, etc.).
In terms of overcoming/coping with it, there are tons of people who do. I would suggest going to the following site and looking at their FAQ especially. I dont think its such a big problem personally.
http://www.thumbsuckingadults.com/
2007-05-23 15:57:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's a common coping mechanism.
For example, if you have a small child (around 7 years of age) and they lose a parent or are in an accident, it's common for them to no longer remember that they are toilet-trained.
I'm not saying that this will happen, but similar things happen into adulthood- just not as extreme.
The best way to cope, is just to be patient and find someone to talk to. The behavior eventually will subside, but it's hard to say how long it could take, as people are very individual.
Hope this helps! :)
2007-05-23 15:56:21 · answer #3 · answered by Nursegirl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would definitely say it's possible, and while not necessarily normal, not abnormal. it really would depend on the situation. first, you need to rule out any physical causes. i had a couple incidents of "bed-wetting", which turned out to be a bladder infection. also, i sleep with stuffed animals, and am an adult, as well-adjusted as possible; i just prefer to sleep holding something.
and if it is in reaction to a stressful situation, therapy may help, and well as stress reduction techniques, such as meditation and visualization.
2007-05-23 15:59:28 · answer #4 · answered by Renee B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'm not a professional, but that sounds like it is very possible . . . i would consult a psychologist . . . therapy would probably help someone work through a stressful time and understand why they went back to that stage in their life and how they can permanently move on from that stage in their life and get back on track to their present stage of life
2007-05-23 15:58:11 · answer #5 · answered by investigator7 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
that kind of regression is usually due to very traumatic incidences such as severe child abuse. no easy way to cope with that. years of therapy can help.
2007-05-23 15:58:38 · answer #6 · answered by racer 51 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sometimes things that happen now will trigger memories from our childhood. Sometimes the things that comforted us when we were kids, if we have flashbacks we feel like we are that child--and need that comfort--and that is ok. It really helps to talk to a counselor on a regular basis.
2007-05-23 16:03:11 · answer #7 · answered by smiley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People can do this however it seems extreme. Could be time to get some other mental help for this person...
2007-05-23 15:58:51 · answer #8 · answered by star 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
adults who have been massively traumatized as children will do this not every one who has been abused will but some will it is a way of healing those old wounds
2007-05-23 19:31:26 · answer #9 · answered by ourlittleposseof12 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have enough medical training to tell you that is is possible and it does happen, but I don't have the training to tell you how to overcome it, sorry.
2007-05-23 15:55:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋