[rdgrad15]

Anyone go through periods of extreme nostalgia, especially at night when you're all alone? I tend to feel this way a lot and wish I didn't feel so nostalgic all the time when I am alone, especially at night.

[mindwrench]

I experience this as well. Sometimes it feels like time is non-linear, and other periods in my life are so close by that every detail of them is fresh and vivid, like it's happening at the same time as now is. It's usually triggered by feeling alone more so than usual, and looking at old pictures, listening to older music and reliving various memories in my mind. It's a strange paradox when the happiest times in our lives also cause the sharpest pain.

[rdgrad15]

Originally Posted by mindwrench

I experience this as well. Sometimes it feels like time is non-linear, and other periods in my life are so close by that every detail of them is fresh and vivid, like it's happening at the same time as now is. It's usually triggered by feeling alone more so than usual, and looking at old pictures, listening to older music and reliving various memories in my mind. It's a strange paradox when the happiest times in our lives also cause the sharpest pain.

Exactly. That is how I feel. Yes, there was drama and dealing with negative people back during my college days, but hey, that happens at anytime. It even happens at work. In fact, I think it happens more at work than at school to be honest. But other than that, it is all good memories that cause me to experience profound nostalgia to the point of feeling emotional. I think it is a little too extreme at times and I feel stupid for feeling like that but it happens.

I try my best to redirect my thoughts whenever I feel nostalgic. Looking back really upsets me. Its not that it's all negative but it turns into me longing for those people or places. My heart aches for moments that passed too quickly. I can't emotionally handle it.

[Mountaindewed]

I have a problem with nostalgia. Like really bad. To the point I’m spending time energy and money trying to relieve those times.

Can nostalgia be associated with a specific mental illness?

[Loose Screw x 2]

Never heard of this before but, for me to get nostalgic I usually have to have some kind of external stimulation like an old video game or song or object like an antique toy or something or vintage magazine, TV show and etc. But, when it does hit and is strong the ache in my heart can be so intense that I want to cry because I want to go back to back then so bad. This can bring on great depression for me afterwards and then I try to find something to counter it. Usually not something healthy but, as long as it's something that calms me I go with it.