Modern life seems to propel us forward toward the next goal or urgent matter requiring our attention. As a result, we can immerse ourselves in a state of “doing” and staying active, are troubled by questions concerned with “where this is going,” and look to the future for a sense of direction and purpose.
Nostalgia offers a different approach, one that seemingly makes more room for reflection and a state of “being.” The emphasis it puts on former experiences can offer a different view of one’s present, but is that necessarily preferable to a more goal-oriented perspective? Is there such a thing as too much reminiscence, and what is nostalgic depression? Taken one step further, could nostalgia be a mental illness? Read on to find out more on this subject.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), nostalgia is a longing to return to an earlier period or moment in one’s life. This past experience is colored by positive emotion, and is therefore remembered as better, in some way, than the present moment.
A second definition for nostalgia, sometimes called “homesickness,” describes it as a desire to return not to a previous time in one’s life, but to a physical place that is linked to a pleasant, past experience. Such a place can be the house one grew up in, their old neighborhood, their alma mater, and additional sites that are linked to enjoyable memories.
Nostalgia can be evoked by various activities. Consider these examples of nostalgia triggers:
These examples are all drawn from past experiences and are embedded in memory.
Today, nostalgia is not seen as a mental illness, and it is not listed among the mental health disorders recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). This, however, has not always been the case, as nostalgia was previously considered a mental illness requiring attention and care.
Nostalgia was originally cited as a mental health disorder during the 17th Century. At the time, it was linked to:
Treatment for nostalgia as a mental health condition was offered up until the 19th Century. During the 20th Century, the idea of missing one’s home or their past was no longer seen as a disorder in and of itself.
That said, the symptoms and central characteristics associated with nostalgia are still recognized, though under different disorders.
Aching for a long-lost experience has become the basis of two other recognized mental health concerns: mourning and depression. The two are considered the closest emotional experience to one another: while depression can include sadness, the emptiness and lack of hope or enjoyment that define it have been found to be more similar to the process of mourning.
However, while mourning is considered a normal part of being alive, the pervasive and persistent nature of depression makes it, and not mourning, a mental health disorder.
Depression stemming from nostalgia occurs when reminiscing about the past triggers feelings of sadness, longing, or regret. While nostalgia can initially evoke positive emotions, it may intensify underlying feelings of dissatisfaction or loss, especially when comparing past experiences to the present. This sense of longing for bygone times can exacerbate symptoms of depression, leading to a cycle of rumination and despair. Idealizing past memories without acknowledging their complexities can contribute to feelings of inadequacy or disillusionment. Recognizing the impact of nostalgia on depression is essential for cultivating a balanced perspective on one’s past and present circumstances.
Additionally, while mourning is defined as emotional pain over something that one recognizes has been lost to them, depression involves not being aware of what has been lost, thereby leaving a similar sense of hollowness. And so, in a way, wishing for a bygone time in life to the point where one’s present is overcast with sorrow, can be considered a nostalgic depression.
The original 17th Century mental health definition for nostalgia was based on the trauma of war, and specifically soldiers who found themselves yearning for the more naive period of childhood, when faced with the horrors of battle. At the time, soldiers diagnosed with this condition presented the following symptoms:
Present-day discussions on nostalgia and mental health focus on the other side of war–the realities faced by displaced populations. Immigrants and refugees often face a myriad of mental health disorders, chief among them:
Yet in addition to the above disorders, displaced individuals might experience a longing for the more positive aspects of their homeland and childhood. Remembering traditions, familial gatherings, old friendships, and the ease with which they were able to navigate the familial surroundings can trigger nostalgia, especially when they are barred from revisiting their homeland.
A more recent link between mental health and nostalgia has been formed by the coronavirus outbreak. Locked in their homes and isolated from others, all while faced with serious physical health and economic uncertainty, led to spiking cases of the following mental health disorders:
At the peak of the pandemic, the destabilizing effects COVID were also felt through a sharp increase in nostalgia, for a time when the world population did not have to worry about physical touch and contact. This throwback to the pre-COVID era continues to influence life today, with many individuals wishing not only to return to life as they knew it, but to erase the experience of COVID from their memories. Films and TV shows at the time seemed to reflect this desire to escape into fantasy by reminiscing, as most programs and movies sidestepped the pandemic, offering an alternative reality where COVID never happened.
Nostalgia holds a significant place in the tapestry of human experience, weaving threads of memory and emotion that enrich our lives. It serves as a poignant reminder of where we’ve been, grounding us in our personal histories and connecting us to the people, places, and moments that have shaped us. Understanding nostalgia’s importance in life requires delving into its multifaceted nature and exploring the ways it influences our perceptions, emotions, and relationships.
At its core, nostalgia is a bittersweet longing for the past. It transports us to moments imbued with meaning and significance, allowing us to relive cherished memories and revisit pivotal junctures in our lives. In doing so, nostalgia provides a sense of continuity and identity, anchoring us amidst the flux of time and change. It fosters a deeper appreciation for our journey thus far, imbuing even mundane moments with a sense of significance.
Moreover, nostalgia serves as a powerful emotional resource, offering solace during times of hardship or transition. In moments of loneliness or uncertainty, reminiscing about happier times can provide comfort and reassurance. The familiarity of nostalgia can act as a soothing balm, offering a sense of stability and conjuring a sense of continuity, comfort, and connection amidst life’s ever-changing landscape.
Furthermore, nostalgia serves as a bridge between generations, fostering connections and understanding across the divides of time and age. Sharing nostalgic memories with loved ones allows us to forge deeper bonds, as we come to appreciate the common threads that unite us across generations. Nostalgia strengthens our sense of belonging and reinforces the ties that bind us. In addition, nostalgia has the power to inspire creativity and innovation. Drawing upon past experiences and influences, artists, writers, and thinkers often find fertile ground for exploration and expression. Nostalgia can serve as a muse, sparking new ideas and interpretations as we reinterpret and reimagine the familiar landscapes of our memories.
However, it’s important to recognize that nostalgia is not solely a rose-tinted lens through which we view the past. It can also evoke feelings of longing, sadness, or regret, particularly when reflecting on lost opportunities or unfulfilled dreams.
In conclusion, nostalgia’s importance in life is undeniable, shaping our perceptions, emotions, and relationships in profound ways. Making room for the positive aspects of one’s past, and even grieving their absence from the present, is a natural part of existing. Greek philosopher Heraclitus said no one can step in the same river twice, for it is not the same river, and they are not the same person. But in order to hopefully make peace with life’s changes, it is imperative to make space for them within our emotional landscape, to hold them before us, see those experiences in their complexities, and then place them back within our memories, as we look to the life we have today.
