Age Regression - Stop the Stigma

Before I get into the actual article, I’d like to clear up a few definitions and abbreviations for anyone who isn’t familiar with the age regression community.

Age regression: when somebody reverts to a child-like state of mind, often as a coping mechanism for things like PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Some age regressors like to use child-like objects such as pacifiers and bottles and in some cases adult diapers as well as dressing in “childish” clothing and engaging in activities such as colouring and playing with children’s toys. Basically age regressors are more at-peace and worry-free whilst in "little space" (A term for when one is in said mindset).
Little: a person who regresses
Caregiver: someone who looks after a little while they’re in little space.
Agere/CGLRE: abbreviations for age regression

There are two types of age regression: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary age regression is where a person chooses to regress to relieve stress, cope with mental health issues or for fun. Involuntary age regression is where someone regresses against their will, typically to deal with high levels of stress or due to past trauma. As someone who does both, I face a lot of negativity from people who don’t understand what CGLRE actually is, and a lot of the time this can prevent me from regressing for a while which can be extremely mentally damaging as my little space is my only healthy coping mechanism. Age regressors can be extremely easily upset as when they are in their headspace their mind tends to go back to a childlike state, so with that in mind here are some things you should never say to someone who regresses. 

• “Eww! That’s gross, this is sexualising children!” No. This isn’t the case. CGLRE is commonly mistaken for CGL (caregiver little, where two consenting adults role play as a caregiver and a child for sexual or kink purposes) which is a totally different thing despite the similar abbreviations. This comment in particular really upsets me as I use my little space as a way to help me deal with sexual trauma. 
  
• “Stop acting childish, you need to grow up!” There is a major issue with this statement seeing as many age regressors can’t help it as their regression is involuntary and dealing with adult life is too stressful at the time where they are regressed. For me, someone saying that can prevent me from regressing as I feel like I’m a burden to my mama (what I call my caregiver) and anyone who sees me in my headspace. 
  
• “You call your partner (insert title here)? That’s weird!” I can’t really explain this one that well but for me this makes me feel really alienated and judged, as well as making me mad at the person for insulting a decision that my girlfriend made to become my caregiver. 
  
• (To a person you’ve just met) “I could be your caregiver.” This one is less upsetting and more just plain creepy and having a stranger ask to be your caregiver can be quite distressing for most littles seeing as a caregiver needs to know intricate details about you, as a caregiver you need to know the individual quite well and it’s not as easy as it may seem. You need to know how to look after the person and what they need in a caregiver and be prepared to be there for them whenever they need you. I personally haven’t dealt with this but I know people who have and it made them extremely uncomfortable.
  

There is a lot of negative stigma attached to age regression and it can be hard at times to ignore the negative comments, but my advice for anyone who regresses would be to remember that age regression is a perfectly normal and healthy coping mechanism and anyone who can’t understand that isn't worth your time. Your little space is special and it’s a part of you that no one can take away from you, there are always people there that will understand and accept you for who you are. 

If you ever need to talk to anyone about age regression or anything else you can contact me on instagram @mummysbrattybunnyboo or you can talk to one of us at TWE via our social media. 

Stay safe,
-Alex ❤️

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