Crying during positive/negative nostalgia, watching old vids

Questionings
Questionings Community member Posts: 5 Listener
in Families and carers

Not sure what possessed me to re-watch some old recordings from when I was 3, but I can't believe how easily I broke down... seeing this tiny guy, with apparent happiness that is now unknown to me, widely smiling (not at 12, then... every single picture I'm in I just don't smile at all, even when I, for some reason, have silly costumes on)... and in the background, this (now I noticed) mobster-like (due to sunglasses inside, no idea if that's the impression he was going for) motherfucker whose apparent hobby was using me worse than others use punching bags, mostly randomly... oh, in the video it's all fine and dandy (he was even singing 'happy birthday', and moving some balloons around... like, what)... but in the same very room, just when all the aunts and uncles were out of the picture, he worked so goddamn hard to beat that smile off my face... and decades later I can barely watch these without resorting to alcohol... funny thing, considering he's such a tiny, happy fellow in the video... if only I didn't know what followed, for 18 whole years, all with the nation's approval... it's not like I watch them often, at all, and in fact nostalgia, somehow, for me is more often positive, because in some weird way I don't really understand I was able to enjoy rpgs back then, so remembering them (which is easy, through music, or... playing, but he really managed to destroy that ability of mine)... is positive... but sometimes I worry I might end up conflating both events in my mind, since there was often so little time in between, and then the positivity would obviously be gone, too, and all of my initial 15 years (couldn't play the last 3, just as I barely do now)... would be is a train of grim, miserable pain...

Comments

  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 11,649 Online Community Programme Lead

    Hi @Questionings,

    I'm so sorry to hear what you've experienced. It takes a lot of courage to share something so personal. It must be so difficult to revisit those old videos and the painful memories they bring up.

    If you're looking for someone to talk to, there's always support available. You might find it helpful to reach out to Samaritans – they're there 24/7 if you need someone to listen. You can call them at 116 123 or email them at jo@samaritans.org.

    Another option is Mind, a mental health charity that offers support and advice. Their website has loads of resources, and they have an information line you can call at 0300 123 3393.

    Take care of yourself, and know that you're not alone in this. There's help out there, and it's okay to reach out for it.

    I'm going to send you a quick email shortly, so please keep a look out for that.

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