top of page
Writer's pictureWainell Brown

Exploring the Psychological Impact of Nostalgia: How Does It Influence Our Mental Health?

Have you ever felt nostalgic before? Almost everyone has. It's a universal feeling we get when we tend to miss the memories from our past. Whether it be childhood memories of you playing with your favorite toy or memories of friendships and families that you wished to relive. However, there is a prominent role between nostalgia and mental health and it is pretty complex. Nostalgia can serve as a source for joy, happiness, and warmth but it can also lead to feelings of loss and longing to experience those memories again. Today, I am going to talk about the positive and negative effects of nostalgia towards our mental health and how to balance it.


Why is Nostalgia a Good Feeling?

When you think about things that are nostalgic, it can bring feelings of emotional comfort when you remember happier times in your life. Feeling nostalgic can help relieve stressful and anxious moments in life. For example, you may be feeling anxious because you may feel alone when you are at a time of need. But you think back to when your family and friends loved and supported you when you were down. This can help us feel more grounded and revert back to a balanced emotional state. Nostalgia can also enhance our resilience to challenges we might face in life such as applying for jobs but not hearing back from them, or wanting to continue our education or even just getting out of bed. When we reflect on past experiences, it may give us a reminder of how strong we are and that we adapted to situations that were more challenging than this. It puts us in a more positive perspective when facing current difficulties. 


feeling nostalgia

The Drawbacks of Feeling Nostalgic

While nostalgia could be a good feeling, we also have to be careful of the negative thoughts that can come with it. Nostalgia can evoke feelings of sadness and longing for what's lost which can lead to ‘rumination’. Rumination happens when we dwell on the past rather than engaging with the present. The past may come across as a safe place for us but we have to remember that the present is something that is happening now and something you can change. This challenge also lands on the scale of avoiding present issues. Nostalgia may serve as a coping mechanism to avoid current problems. 


Being Mindful of Nostalgic Feelings

When being nostalgic, we have to remember to be mindful of the negative feelings and thoughts that can come with it. We can do this by acknowledging that nostalgia can evoke negative and positive feelings. Sharing stories about your past memories to loved ones is one way to reinforce connections and create a space for mutual support. Receiving support from others allows us to appreciate both our past experiences and our present circumstances. If things become overwhelming for you while reflecting on memories, seeking a mental health professional is a great tool to help you navigate your feelings and create a healthier relationship with your own past.




Nostalgia is a very powerful emotion and can impact our mental health. It can give us a source of emotional comfort and enhance resilience while also making us feel longing and sadness at times. It's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of nostalgia and to practice mindfulness when reflecting on the past. By acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of nostalgia, we can maintain a healthy relationship with our past and use it as a source of strength and resilience.


21 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page