One of my favorite things about social media is all of the content creators who tap into my millennial generation; from sharing 90’s kid toys and experiences of my childhood to reenacting the goofy, and wildly embarrassing realities of experiences and trends of adolescence in the 2000’s, it is not only comical but widely nostalgic.
Nostalgia is a complex and multifaceted emotion, often evoking a bittersweet blend of joy and melancholy as we reminisce about the past. The highlight reel, often depicted in my brain as a golden toned flashback, is something I believe we all enjoy knowing that we can access any time that we want to, or maybe even when we feel like we need it. However, when speaking of nostalgia, is it possible to have too much of a good thing when it comes to our mental health? Let’s look at the whole picture:
The Benefits:
Strengthening Social Bonds: Sharing nostalgic memories with friends or family can enhance social connections and strengthen relationships. Nostalgia often involves recalling shared experiences, which can foster a sense of closeness and mutual understanding. These strengthened bonds can contribute to a stronger support network, essential for mental health.
Inspiration and Motivation: Nostalgia can inspire you by reminding them of your past successes and strengths. This reflection can serve as a motivational tool, encouraging people to pursue their goals and aspirations by rekindling a sense of purpose and possibility.
Increased Life Satisfaction: Reflecting on positive past experiences can lead to increased feelings of life satisfaction and well-being. Nostalgia allows individuals to relive moments of happiness and achievement, which can boost self-esteem and contribute to a more optimistic outlook on life.
The Downsides:
Escapism and Avoidance: While nostalgia can provide comfort, it can also become a form of escapism. Excessive dwelling on the past may lead to avoidance of present challenges and responsibilities. This tendency can hinder personal growth and prevent individuals from fully engaging with the here and now.
Idealization or Rose Colored Glasses: The power of nostalgia is the way in which we can easily overlook or oversimplify the past. We can pick, cut and choose which memories we want to play on the highlight reel so that the memory can fit/reflect our current situation,desires or narrative. It is important to be mindful when reflecting on the past, and not glossing over the struggles and complexities that also existed alongside the joy, laughter and warmth.
Emotional Distress: Nostalgia can sometimes evoke sadness or longing for a time that is no longer attainable. This can lead to feelings of discontent or dissatisfaction with the present. When nostalgia becomes a source of distress, it may exacerbate symptoms of depression or anxiety.
In order to harness the positives or nostalgia, we must be mindful as to how, why and when we access it. As Ferris Bueller said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Cherish and reflect on the past but make sure you are rooted in the present moment so you can find the good there, too.
Till next time,
Aimee Strange, LPCC 14132
Reference:
Hogan, Michael. “Could Too Much Nostalgia Be Bad for Us?” Psychology Today, 12 Dec. 2023, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/modern-minds/202312/could-too-much-nostalgia-be-bad-for-us.