Age regression definition:: Age Regression is when someone reverts back to a younger state of mind for a period of time as a coping mechanism for many different reasons. Their regressed age can be anywhere from a few years younger than the Little's physical age to even infancy. Age regression is not the same as age play. Age play is typically a kink, and regression is completely SFW. Age regression is NOT having a childish personality. Age regression is NOT having a young mental age. And it is NOT childlike nostalgia. Regression is a completely safe coping mechanism that almost anyone can use. The only time it can get unhealthy is if someone is constantly regressing or forcing themselves to not regress. Moderation is key!
Age play definition:: Age play is often lumped in and confused for age regression. Age play is when two people engage in a roleplay where they act and/or treat each other as another age besides their physical age. This age can be younger or older. It doesn't need to be inherently sexual, though often is seen as such. When sexual, Age play is a kink that two consenting adults engage in - acting as different ages for sexual pleasure.
There are four main types of age regression
1. Symptomatic Age Regression
2. Involuntary Age Regression
3. Voluntary Age Regression
4. Therapeutic Age Regression
1 - Symptomatic Age Regression:: Symptomatic Regression is when someone regresses as a symptom of mental illness (ie., PTSD, C-PTSD, DID, BPD, MDD, etc). Mostly from dissociative disorders, anxiety disorders, and/or personality disorders, usually formed during childhood. It can also be a symptom of neurological conditions like autism. Age regression is not a disorder itself, but can be a sign of one.
2. Involuntary Age Regression:: Involuntary regression is when someone's regression isn't their choice. This typically occurs after someone experiences a trigger. If someone's regression stems from PTSD, having someone yell at them can be a trigger, causing them to revert to a younger state of mind, making them feel small and vulnerable - unable to pull themselves back into a 'big' mindset. Many people who involuntarily regress aren't aware that they're age regressing, which can feel very scary. It's an unconscious response to a situation.
3. Voluntary Age Regression:: Voluntary regression is when someone deliberately chooses to regress. It could be for many reasons, like anxiety, stress, trauma, etc. It gives the Regressor a time to be carefree and experience childlike joy, which is extremely valid.
4. Therapeutic Age Regression:: Therapeutic regression is when someone regresses for therapy. If someone had a traumatizing childhood, regressing to a younger state can be calming and very healing. A chance to reclaim what they never had.
- You can experience multiple different types of regression at the same time. It doesn't always stem from childhood trauma; you can also regress for reasons like anxiety, depression, etc.I personally have experienced all four types of regression. Any form or reason for regression is valid.
If age regression is something that is especially upsetting and puts you in a bad mental headspace, I suggest reaching out to a mental health professional, if possible. If you need to, you can also message me on TikTok or Pinterest, which are both linked in my bio.
Some people are unable to regress, which is okay. Age Dreaming (Participating in childlike activity and possibly acting as one without completely reverting to a regressed mind) is equally as healing.
Why People Hate Regression.
Age regression gets a lot of hate sent its way. Mostly because of the mix-up between Age Play and Agere.
I find that people dislike regression, even when not mistaken for Age Play, because it differs from their norm, or they think it's unhealthy. Agere is completely healthy and safe!
Society dislikes to see an adult participate in things they've deemed as 'childish' - and agere is just that. 'Childish'.
Not everyone will understand, and not everyone has to. That's okay.
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Age Regression Guide
Non-Fiction₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ⋆˚࿔ FOR AGE REGRESSORS AND CAREGIVERS 𝜗𝜚˚⋆ -- Learning to be a new caregiver for an age regressor? -- Finding out you're an age regressor? -- Need a new, healthy coping mechanism? -- Want to educate yourself? :: This Guide To Age regr...
