KayB wrote: ↑1 year ago
I have spoken with my therapist since I realized, and yeah…he suggested reaching out to other folks in the community in the first place. For me it's a matter of like, I have a lot going on, it’s kinda scary. So I involuntarily start to regress sometimes when adult life is just too much, I guess would be a better way of putting it.
You feel your life is to the point that it’s
too much and
scary at times? And your therapist agreed that regressing, including involuntarily, to childlike states was the way to handle it? And suggested you ask a non-therapy group online how you can do it more often? I’m floored.
So, I think regressing as a way of self-expression at times and finding it relaxing or soothing is great, but when you start using it to mask mental illness, or it is a part of your mental illness, then it’s best to use real therapy. Regression can never replace good therapy. Always having to hide from reality on a whim and still manage the consequences of that sounds exhausting and that’s not fair to you!
No
decent therapist is going to promote escapism or suggest you turn to an online group to help you better escape during episodes of mental illness. Involuntary regression especially is a very serious concern.
For example, panic attacks are mental health crisis’ that impact your daily life and normal functioning as an adult, and should not be met with the idea of trying to become a helpless child or submitting to the sudden onset of feeling like a helpless child. A therapist who promotes that should have their licenses revoked. That isn’t safe. It does not benefit the patient. There is no progress being made to get you back to a functional state and reduce recurrence.
It’s like hitting a big rock in the middle of a road you need to travel but then you just stop and sit there in front of it, not trying to go around it or over it because it looks so big and daunting but you act as if the rock will eventually move itself if you do nothing. Maybe taking that little rest feels right but it doesn’t help you get to where you’re going if you just sit there, waiting for the rock to move. The rock will still be there. The rock won’t move itself. When you open your eyes again after a rest the rock will still be in front of you. If you run away and come back later the rock will still be there. A therapist should be helping you navigate past this rock.
Involuntary regression as an adult is
not normal and indicates a pretty serious mental illness that needs treatment. Something is
wrong, and not being managed well. Even further though, littlespace is not therapy and cannot replace the resolution one can gain from actual therapy, and the CGL community is not a mental health support network and hasn’t been trained to deal with mental illness. Being Little is not a form of a mental illness and shouldn’t impact your capabilities to perform as an adult. I can’t believe they’re neglecting your mental health like this by shoving you off to random people on the internet to encourage escapism.
It may not be the answer you want but it’s the answer you need, you
need a different therapist if what you’re saying is true. I’m sorry but find someone who is doing their job and can actually help you. You are important and that includes your mental health so please reach out to a professional who actually does want to help you get better so you don’t feel overwhelmed or scared by your life any more.