Nostalgia

[Jeanjeanjeanx]

Is it related to anxiety or depression to keep thinking about the past and getting nostalgic over and over ? What is it that prevents from moving ahead with life although everything is alright with it? Anyone familiar with this?

[Sunnidayz1]

Are you specifically thinking of the past or do things just pop up in your head from the past? Theres a difference. Also if you do have ruminating thoughts are you going through a stressful time in your life right now? Stress can bring on a lot of things in the body & mind.

[Jeanjeanjeanx in reply to Sunnidayz1]

Yes to going through a stressful time. And yes the past keeps popping up

[Sunnidayz1 in reply to Jeanjeanjeanx]

To answer all of your questions from your original post the answer is Yes. However, anxiety and depression can only be diagnosed by a professional. Depending how depressed or anxious you are exercise and meditation can help with these things.

[hypercat54]

Hi if you live in the past you experience anxiety, in the future and you worry. But if you live in the present you live with balance. There is nothing wrong with allowing the indulgence of nostalgia as we all do it, but when it replaces your present then this is not healthy.

You are right as it does prevent you from moving on with your life. Make some new memories to be nostalgic about in the future. Also have a look at mindfulness which helps to teach you how to remain in the present. x

[tessatee]

I am going through the same thing with my thoughts always going back in time to difficult memories and stressing over them, even though the present is actually pretty good. I keep wanting to go back in time and make better choices but you can't go back to the past and redo it. I have done some reading about mindfulness, concentrating on what's going on right now in the present. I'm trying to focus on that but it seems it takes time to master. I intend to keep at it though. I wish you good luck in moving forward and leaving those memories in the past.

[Hidden]

I live in the past because it was so much better than my present. It’s calked ruminating and it is destructive..it’s a form of OCD. So destructive that not only does my therapist recommend an anti depressant but she also recommends an anti psychotic for me. I suffered a trauma 18 months ago. Before this, I didn’t need a thing. I was totally normal. How frightening is that?

[Jeanjeanjeanx in reply to Hidden]

That's what I can relate to very much. I am OCD. Not professionally diagnosed, maybe I don't want to dwelve into it. I am trying to find distraction by not depending on the people around me who wouldn't understand or who doesn't have the time to help. One way is bieng on this forum. I've given a go on yoga, taking time in nature and trying some deep thinking about what I see. Not that it has cured me completely but I think it's helping by Allah's will.

[Hidden]

Can't you take things that you enjoyed doing in the past and start to do them again, they might make you happy.

[Jeanjeanjeanx]

Thank you all for the suggestions. Trying mindfulness sounds helpful.