Television ads, songs, perfume aromas, programs of yesteryear or pass in front of a place that was part of our childhood can awaken in us A deep nostalgia. This is a frequent behavior in the human being, especially during adulthood, although children can also experience it.
Our mind associates a certain stimulus with a past experience. For example, When we listen to that melody that evokes our childhood, our first love of adolescence or some loved one that is no longer next to us.
However, not all the moments we remember are completely happy, and yet it is possible to experience nostalgia for those experiences.
Psychologists María Renée Ordóñez and Marcela Morales agree that the Nostalgia is a complex emotion that intermingles various sensations, such as sadness, joy or a combination of both.
How does nostalgia work as a human emotion?
Ordonez mentions that nostalgia It is usually associated with the meaning of a particular memory for us, that is, how significant that experience in our lives was. In that sense, the professional emphasizes that nostalgia is a reinterpretation that we give to our past. Therefore, both specialists affirm that it is possible to feel nostalgia for a moment that perhaps was not so happy, but that it is significant for us.
The specialist cites as an example a move during childhood that could have been difficult at the time; However, over the years we learn to see it with other eyes and to consider the positive aspects of that experience.
In addition, that interpretation can vary over time. According to Morales, there are two types of nostalgia: The restorer and the reflexive. The first is linked to a critical moment that we manage to overcome and that we perceive as an expired obstacle.
On the other hand, reflexive nostalgia is related to that longing for beautiful experiences of the past, although we are aware that life continues.
Can nostalgia become an obstacle to advance?
Sometimes, nostalgia arises following a loss, either from a loved one, a job or even objects. According to Morales, this emotion can also be experienced by a change in life. A clear example is when a woman who has just given birth feels longing for her independent stage.
In addition, Morales indicates that nostalgia can manifest itself Mild, moderate or severe. This diagnosis can only be done by a professional. In severe cases, nostalgia can derive in deep melancholy or distyme.
Some aggravated nostalgia symptoms include disinterest, lack of motivation, headaches or stomachamong others.
How to handle nostalgia?
The first step is to ask whether nostalgia represents an impediment to continue our life or if our studies, work, relationship and other areas are affecting. If nostalgia affects us at that level, It is essential to go to a mental health professional to receive adequate care.