Do you sometimes suddenly remember that time of the Corona lockdown when the whole country was silent and we were all at home? The streets were empty, and there was an eerie silence everywhere. Along with the fear and uncertainty that existed at that time, some people also have incredibly beautiful and fond memories of those days. Maybe you feel the same way. "Oh, everything was so simple back then, and everyone in the family was together." Why do we feel such conflicting emotions? This is what we call 'Lockdown Nostalgia'. Let's talk about this in a little more depth today.
Is 'nostalgia' a bad thing?
When people say 'nostalgia', many people think that it is a weakness of those who live in the past and cannot face the present. But it is actually not like that. Especially after a major traumatic event that we have all faced together, like the coronavirus pandemic, reflecting on the past can be very helpful for our mental well-being.
Psychologists point out that this kind of nostalgia adds a lot of positive things to our minds. For example:
- Qualities like empathy and compassion improve.
- Social connectedness with others is strengthened.
- It helps reduce anxiety.
- This even helps you think positively about life.
Simply put, nostalgia isn't about being stuck in the past. It's more like a tool our minds use to recover from traumatic experiences by mixing both sadness and happiness.
Why are there so many mixed feelings about the lockdown period?
Imagine what it's like during lockdown. It's scary on one hand, and surprisingly simple on the other. This is what many people have experienced. Let's look at this chart to better understand this situation.
| Positive memories during lockdown | Negative memories during lockdown |
|---|---|
| Spending more time with family. Playing carom together and watching movies. | Intense fear of contracting the disease and fear of death. |
| To escape the hustle and bustle of life and live simply at home. No hustle and bustle, no traffic. | Economic hardship. Job loss, loss of income. |
| Learning new things. Some people cooked, started gardening, and took online courses. | The stress and loneliness caused by being stuck at home. |
| The feeling of "together for the country." Everyone helped each other, respected the health sector. | The intense uncertainty about the future. The question of "When will this end?" |
Now you understand, right? Our memory looks back on that time by combining both the good and the bad. That's why it's a "bittersweet" experience. When we look at it with the pressures we face today (e.g. economic problems, work stress), that "simplicity" of the past seems appealing to us again.
Memory is something that can change.
The most important thing is that our memory is not something set in stone. It is very flexible . Depending on our current mental state and our emotions, even past memories can change and become more beautiful for us. That is, we actually forget a little of the seriousness of that time, and only the good things stand out.
"Even if we all face the same event, the way we remember it is different from one person to another. Because the way we experienced it is very different."
Social Media and Nostalgia
Nowadays, social media has become a big reason for this nostalgia to increase even more. When we see "Memories" on Facebook, videos made on TikTok from that time, we are reminded of those days again. You must have seen things like "Oh, how good TikTok was back then, we were on video calls with friends until late at night, there was nothing to think about." This only makes those memories stronger.
Should you be ashamed of this feeling?
Not at all. Some people say things like "I'm ashamed of myself for remembering the lockdown period" on social media. But there's really no reason to be ashamed or feel guilty about it.
Psychologists say that when you face adversity, it can be a very stressful experience. But once you survive it and emerge victorious, you look back on that time with fondness. Not because of the hardship, but because of the feeling that you overcame it.
The coronavirus pandemic is not yet completely over. Therefore, we do not yet have a specific way to commemorate it or collectively remember those who died from it. That is why these memories often emerge only on our personal level.
So, if you too feel a mixture of happiness and sadness when you think back to the things you did during the lockdown, the time you spent with your family, and how you stayed home without any worries, that's very normal. It means that you are a strong person who faced that challenge and came out of it. It's just your mind's way of processing that experience.
If you are having difficulty controlling these feelings, or if you are feeling so stressed that it is interfering with your daily activities, it is important to talk to a trusted friend, family member , or see your doctor for professional help .
Take-Home Message
- 'Lockdown Nostalgia' is a feeling that combines both sweet and painful memories of the lockdown period.
- This is not a weakness, but a healthy way to help the mind recover after a traumatic event like COVID-19.
- This feeling can lead to positive outcomes such as decreased anxiety, increased compassion, and a more optimistic outlook on life.
- Our memory is flexible, and the past can seem more beautiful based on present emotions.
- It's normal to feel nostalgic about the lockdown period, and there's no need to be ashamed or feel guilty about it. It shows that you've overcome the challenge.
- If these feelings are difficult to control, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.
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