AGE REGRESSION: The Myths, The Facts, and My Experience || [Video Essay]

Fionapollo’s Video: • SA in Western Animatio...
Aurahealth article about Age Regression: www.aurahealth.io/blog/explor...
WebMD article about Age Regression as a therapeutic practice: www.webmd.com/mental-health/w...
More information about what Age Regression is/isn’t, myths/facts, and more: www.onlyfunthings.org/2018/05...
Tumblr post with Agere terminology & information: www.tumblr.com/thelunarsystem...
Tips for becoming a Caregiver: / basic_agere_caregiving...
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DISCLAIMER: My videos are not made for children. While they may be involved in children's media (cartoons/animation, video games, etc.), these videos are not intended to be watched by children. They may also contain adult language or adult topics. Furthermore, persons under 13 years of age should not watch my videos, as they are not allowed to have a KZbin account. Websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and yes, KZbin, do intense and personal data collection that it is not legal for them to do on persons younger than 13 years of age due to the Child Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

[@Fionapollo]

Hey there!! This video was incredibly interesting, up till i did my own research I didn't really know much about age regression myself, but you explained it, your experiences, and the online space in a commendable way! It's a shame that so many see it as a kink thing, even when just doing research it kinda clicked into place for me that it was likely why people called for their parents even as adults when they're overwhelmed for example. Really great job again, and keep up the great work! ✌️

[@MarkMaker]

Thank you, and same to you and your videos!! 💙

[@angieroxx]

As an age regressor myself, this video is a great way to show the world that we are just trying to cope. Adult life is stressful. I also relate to when you say you sleep better in little space. I do too. I love feeling smol in my big bed.

[@CaelumRoxas]

I feel like I've learned some interesting things about this. I've never been able to tell whether this applies to me personally, like I can't tell if I do experience age regression or not, but I may have at least realized someone I know IRL may be an age regressor. Gives me a much better understanding.

[@cocobeanzzzzz]

so glad this video exists because people say "mental health matters! don't do harming coping mechanisms!" until agere pops up. I see a lot of agere videos being used in commentary style KZbinrs being like "omg they identify as a 5 year old and live like this 24/7? CRINGE" No, we know we're not children- we go to school, do work, other stuff just like you. (Funny because the community actually urges having control over agere so it doesn't interfere with responsibilities) Promise I'm not throwing a tantrum in the middle of my college exam over bluey not playing... Worst ones are when they think we actually play with children or something, so much misinformation out there

[@teeniest.toddler]

9:16 - 9:43 Completely well said . . Most of the time when age regress, everything in the world feels much more simpler, bigger, safer and nostalgic. I discovered what age regression was after becoming aware of these childlike patterns after I thought they simply personality traits for a long time. ( I am, but it seemed like there was more to it ) And when I did, I realized that I've been age regressing since 7 yrs old :O Some of my favorite comfort items when I age regress is my Wild Kratts night light, my fox stuffie ( their name is Ruby, named after one of my fox ocs :3 ), my pacifiers / sippys, playing pretend, and simply watching cartoons and playing outside in the yard! Each individual's regression is different and will look different accordingly. Some would become more softer while others become more energetic or both! Interests and aesthetic preferences are different depending on the regressor . All are valid :3

[@evangelinephantasmagoria5406]

Upon searching for media representation of age regression, your video was the first to appear and I was pleasantly surprised to find my take on the agere flag featured in the thumbnail! I am beyond honored you would showcase my creation in such a well written and insightful essay about a coping mechanism many unfortunately misunderstand. This is the perfect video to share with anyone wishing to learn more about age regression, either for themselves or to support their friends and loved ones who regress for any reason. Thank you for making this video and for using my flag!

[@MarkMaker]

Happy to be of assistance to the community! Plus, your version of the flag is my favorite :D

[@evangelinephantasmagoria5406]

IM SO HONORED OH MY GOODNESS THANK YOU THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH 🥺😭💕

[@n0etic_f0x]

I have done this to sleep. Generally, around the age of thirteen, I do something... less than typical. I make really unhealthy sleepover snacks. Fries topped with what you would top a pizza with, Nachos with pizza roles as a base instead of chips, literally just a sheet of ground beef and cheese baked in the oven. This is all stuff I made from one of my few happy memories as a kid, and yes I did this as a child... I was a weird kid, never stopped the weird part. The thing is other kids loved it. It was like magic as a child. They had to have their mom make it and when their mom made pizza rolls it was not topped with cheese sauce, buffalo sauce, or ranch powder they did not even know ranch could be a powder! But I did, I knew ranch was just a powder in Mayo so I made ranch... everything for my friends. It was the first thing that was "mine" that others loved. Nobody told me to make these profane yet wonderful creations I just did it because I was a kid with kid friends and we like kid's stuff and as far as food goes this was more kid-friendly than a pizza party

[@polygawn]

Dude pizza fries sound so yummy I gotta make those sometime!!

[@英雄之剑]

I regress sometimes too I know ppl think it's weird but it makes me happy, I feel around 5-8 years old again

[@thefiletypeiswrong7212]

So glad to see someone talking about agere! As someone. Who experiences agere myself, it can be very disheartening when people continually call agere things it isn’t. Tumblr really is an amazing community for agere, I would have never imagined it being my go to spot!

[@Cosmiccaturn]

Haven’t finished the video yet but thank you for making this video!! I have an OC who I’ve decided age regresses as a coping mechanism and I want to be accurate respectful :)

[@eevee6930]

As both an age regressor and age player you did a really good job with this. I think it's super important to make the distinction because of how fundamentally different each experience is. Many regressors, myself included, can experience an involuntary form where the trauma center outright shuts down our adult functions completely removing any ability to consent. For those of us who don't it's still ultimately about seeking comfort i n self expression and changing our perspective to a younger one. It's also worth noting that some individuals who had early sexual awakenings which are reflected in little space. Age play is more about rolepaying a power dynamic for sexual or non-sexual reasons. It involves a set of rules, punishments and oftentimes pre-planned or improvised roleplay scenes. I've noticed that regression is pretty common in age play circles and often used to cope with the same kinds of trauma that age play itself normally aims to re-stage. This distinction is important because minors absolutely CAN NOT consent to that kind of roleplay regardless if sex is involved. The dynamic is far too easy to abuse and puts the one person in the perfect position to take advantage of the other. I think a good indicator of whether your dealing with regression or kink is to ask whether there's a power dynamic or role play. I've unfortunately seen a lot of underage regressors turn their activity into non-sexual age play complete with unbalanced power dynamics, role play, strict rules and punishments. I think it's important to recognize that kink isn't always sexual and call it out when it happens in regression spaces. I want these spaces to be safe.

[@0bviouslyEm1ly84]

Hello! I just found this video, and I'm so, so glad to see people talking about agere without sexualizing it. It's nice to hear someone speak about their personal experiences too. I regress because of my trauma and mental health issues, and it helps me a lot. I often have a hard time regressing though, which can be hard. This video also is making me want to try and regress again, because life has been tough, and I think I deserve some time to feel safe and small. ^^ I really, really appreciate you speaking about this, and I hope that someday more people will understand and accept us. I also really love the art in the background! I get bored easily while listening to things without watching something in the back. I hope everyone who sees this has a nice week, and if anyone has any questions about age regression, feel free to ask me!

[@YaroTavo]

I don't comment much, if not at all, but, thank you. Genuinely. I often age regress without knowing. I'm not sure what age, other than the highest being 8 years old. I'm only at 7:41 right now but you described it perfectly. I'm genuinely happy that a KZbinr decided to talk about it in a good manner, not because you researched it but you also do it. I can't do much when I'm age regressing however I am getting a plushie from Plushie Dreadfuls so I hope it helps me. Thank you for this video again.

[@FredBstar3K]

i must say, this was pretty educational! i haven't heard about this until recently so it's interesting to learn about this! and it's nice that you have an entire community of people who understand you

[@MarkMaker]

As far as headcanons go, I like to imagine that Stardust Cookie age regresses, and that Cream Unicorn Cookie is his CG.

[@bruhmoment2578]

As a caretaker, videos like these help me better understand this mindset thank you! 🐇🎀🩷

[@raydgreenwald7788]

BTW, Toki’s “deddy bear” has been around since before the movie

[@MarkMaker]

Like I said in the video, I haven't watched the show in several years. I've only seen the first season, and a long time ago at that. Apologies for any inaccuracies.

[@VVacinoVV]

I never see people talk about age regression this way and I feel so seen. When I go into littlespace it's always when my husband and I are just goofing around or he'll do small tasks for me like bring me water and snacks or he'll tuck me in before he goes to 3rd shift. I just feel so giggly and happy and cared for but like he is still my husband and equal. I don't feel the need for stuffed animals or anything like that just the extra attention and silliness is enough to make my inner child happy 😊

[@shane_impala]

Hey!! I'm a regressor too! I've been regressing for about 3 years now and it's always so refreshing to hear others talk openly about it. Really wanted to comment to recommend some gear! For clothes, I really like Cool Shirtz. Their overalls are like my fav pair of pants ever!! As for water bottles, I bought a few 20 oz zak! bottles. They're super cute, well made, and practical! For toys, there are so many "jumbo" versions of regular kids toys. I don't really use toys while small but sometimes while I babysit my niece I halfway regress and play with her toys with her! I'm a nanny so I have a large collection of kids books but if you don't and want to I super suggest hitting up random yard sales, second hand book stores, and your local library. I promise people really don't care about you buying or loaning kids books/toys. Most people will just assume you have a younger family member! My fav thing to do while regressed is just eat nostalgic snacks, use my binky, and watch shows I loved as a physical child but I love how differently everyone acts while little! Like hearing about other littles fav activities and stuff is so fun. I have a agere twt account and all my little friends are soooooo unique in their regression!

[@ColeThatBoy]

This was super intriguing and educational! I loved it and the art in the video a lot

[@misfit_raven4367]

I’m starting to realise I might engage in this unconsciously. Whenever I’m in extremely stressful situations, I usually go to some sort of distraction. If I don’t have that distraction, I could age regress and start drawing on notebooks with crayons and felt pens. Tw: sui mention I was in the er for an attempt, and I just went into a trance and now I have this sketchbook (one that I’d usually fill with more serious pencil sketches) filled with random pen and crayon doodles. I just kinda accept it honestly. (I still use that book for my more serious sketches as well.)

[@Demonetization_Symbol]

I (20F) regress from 2-14 (14 being the age I experienced trauma) but have been experiencing regression block for months now. I started regressing at 14 as a trauma response. Another thing is, at least for me, certain things can get me out of littlespace, like seeing my car or purse. Certain locations or thoughts block regression, like college, or certain actions, like driving, will block me from regressing. Generally, any adult thing will block me from regressing, and for that, I am grateful because there are adult tasks that need to be done, but in my free time, I just can't regress the same way I used to. Any ideas for overcoming this?

[@SkylarThompson-mu1qs]

Maybe staying inside the house for a bit and hiding your purse

[@tailablu3585]

This question has nothing to do with the video itself but, what’s the font you use for the video? It’s super cute! The placement of all the stars is adorable!

[@MarkMaker]

It's Starborn! I also have it in my icon and my channel banner, I thought it was super cute too :D

[@gothcentaur]

This was really interesting. Also,I’m definitely using that art app!

[@D3rpys_littl3spac3]

Aaawh!! I love bear in the big blue house!!! It's one of my favorite comfort shows, and I regress while watching this show quite often!!! Loved this vid❤

[@Scene_on_paws]

THANK YOU FOR THIS :3 as an age and pet regressor this is a great way to put it. So many people hate on us 4 coping. :(

[@idontknow_666]

This was such an educational video! I’m trying to understand age regression, and this helped. :)

[@MarkMaker]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@arsonzartz]

whenever i get really upset or overwhelmed, people always say im acting like a toddler. i will stomp my feet, scream, cry, and if someone takes something special from me when im mad, i will do grabby hands while screaming: "i want it!" or "give it!!", often acting like my 5 year old sister. idk if thats involuntary age regression, since i am 11, but yeah.

[@InnocentChild0_0]

Yeah, no. That's normal. I'm 12 and my grandma assumed I was tired, so I threw my bracelet at her in rage. she felt bad for me and got me Starbucks :]

[@MishiawooLee9999]

Thank you so much! This is helping me find myself even more. I started to age regress a little while ago. I felt so alone and unsure when starting out. But I'm slowing finding who I am and finding people who understand and respect it. Age regression really is a helpful coping, relaxing and fun tool. I hope more people can understand what it is and know that it's not a bad thing.

[@Crayondoodle939]

Age dreamer here! I’ve been trying to regress but my body just won’t let me 😔 rly wish there was more representation so I’ve made it my life goal to include at least one character if I ever run a cartoon Aside from that here’s some headcanons!: -Jay Walker and Lloyd Garmadon from Ninjago -Luz Noceda, Hunter Wittebane, and Gus Porter from The Owl House -Marcy Wu from Amphibia (bonus: Olivia and Yunan are her caregivers) -Pomni from The Amazing Digital Circus -Susie and Kris from Deltarune -Miles Morales from Spiderverse -Jinx from Arcane

[@katethestoryteller2588]

This is very informative!

[@bIuejins]

i have a sippy-cup like water bottle; it can hold a little bit more than a disposable water bottle and has a strap lol

[@Ellvie_SourPatch]

I lost a lot of my childhood to mental illness and age regression allows me to repair that

[@megazero3450]

I'm an age regressor myself and it has helped me alot with my traumatic experience about 3 years ago and I still use it. I use pacifiers have lots and lots of stuffies toys amd clothing and pjs. There r somedays thst my past came up and i have to use age regression to heal myself. I have ageregre friends that check on me and make sure that we r ok. So glad to find this video about this subject. Thank u ❤❤❤❤

[@megazero3450]

And somedays when I come home from work I just wanna be in babie mode and just regress and color and watch shows and listen to age regression music that helps me.

[@boredanarchist7531]

This is a great video to either understand yourself better, learn wbith aheregression or to explain it to others.

[@iflime]

Just downloaded Artfol! ❤ Also maybe you could try putting stickers on those boring waterbottles lol I put stickers on literally everything 😂 Anyway I really enjoyed the video it was super informative!!

[@MarkMaker]

I'd love to try stickers on water bottles, but I'm a lazy mf and stickers aren't dishwasher-proof 😆

[@juliaKoenderink]

can you also talk about the 4 kinds of regresion? trauma regresion involentary volentary and thearputic if you want info i can write what i know about them down here trauma regresion: this is a regresion where you get triggerd with trauma (like if you have a trauma with a hamer and you need to use one) you regress out of fear for having to deal with that all over again. here you have no controle over when you regress and it can be very bad for you this is the worst kind of regression and can be very mentaly bad for someone becaus they already feel unsafe and they then also have to be in a child like mindset involentary regresion: this is regresion where you go into littel space when stressed. like for exzample you have a asingment you still need to finish and your very stressed you can slip into littelspace for your mind to calm tf down. here your not in controle of when you slip and it can happen any time. this can be very bad when you are in class or at work or something like that. volentary regression: this is a regresion where you are stressed at home and diside to regress just to unload. here you have controle over you regressing and it is helpfull to calm down. this is the first one where you can chose when you want to slip in littel space and last but devently not least thearputic regression: this is a regression where you regress to heal trauma or get over your bad habits. this is used for people with any probleems with there past child hood or other stuff (like sh and su!sidle touchts) and it can help you get over trauma and it has saved multiple lifes (including mine) you can have multiple types of regresion. hope you can talk about this in the futre caus i know multiple people who dont know about the difrence

[@MarkMaker]

I probably won't be making another video about the subject, but I'm sure your comment will help educate others! Thank you!

[@juliaKoenderink]

@@MarkMaker no probleem

[@angryunicornproductions2633]

Great vid

[@PorgWitch]

Thank you so much for this. I am a Little, and I only ever saw other littles also engage in age play. While I do have a D/s dynamic, little me is not connected to my k!nks and my partner and I never cross that line. My littlespace is purely for coping and relaxation. I never knew how to feel about these two different sides of me, and I wanted to find content out there that talked about this without it being related to k!nk.

[@Unholy.Trash.Compactor]

Just to alert some people. Since age regression is often used as a coping mechanism it can stem from SA or R@pe. This can lead to involuntary "arousment" if the person is regressed. This is not for sexual gratification and often actually brings guilt to the person who cannot control it. Age regression is the state of when the person recieved their "traumatic" (put it in quotation because it can also be because of other things). This can put forth things they experienced at the time, including the bodily responses. If I missed anything or am wrong about something, then please let me know.

[@MarkMaker]

Thanks for the education! But would you mind putting a TW at the start of your comment, please? Thank you! ✨

[@eetfuk09]

i love toki‼️

[@TheLunarSystemWrites]

Been regressing for years now, it's absolutely worth a try! This video is so well thought out, easy to understand, and organized! The visuals are also GORGEOUS! Also also, the explanation of your personal experience is VERY appreciated! Thank you so much!

[@TheLunarSystemWrites]

Also adding the negatives was awesome!

[@hellbreakfast1590]

Hey, thanks for making this video. You really put yourself out there and I know you'll catch hell for it. I'm glad you are putting out informative stuff like this, and creating the distinction between age regression as a psychological mechanism and kink. I've known many people that have healed via this mechanism, and it's especially useful to the queer community, as the lot of us often have horrific childhood abuse. There are therapists that will back you up on this issue. With that said, I do have to point out to any viewers that it isn't ok to judge ab/dl people. I don't think Mark is trying to throw them under the bus (the struggle he's describing with finding things is so real), however I know some people get the notion that the kink is about sexualizing minors. It is not, it's a power exchange between consenting adults. While it isn't my thing, if something hits the 4 checkmarks of safe, healthy, consenting, and between adults, then judgment is off the table.

[@MarkMaker]

Thank you for the input! Your second paragraph is totally right. I didn't say anything about that in the video because it wasn't the main point of what I wanted to talk about. I just wanted to make that distinction about what age regression _isn't,_ not what kink _is._ But yeah, like I said, you're 100% correct!

[@megazero3450]

And sometiems when i try to get into the mindset it has been hard for me. But when im in the mindset im usually happy giggley and more curious that big me

[@arsonzartz]

does anyone also find eating in little space nice? like i love taking my comfort foods and age regressing while eating and coloring

[@MarkMaker]

Oh, a hundred percent. Having buttered noodles with chicken nuggets, while watching Bear in the Big Blue House in littlespace? 10/10, would recommend.

[@LoxieMoxie]

Metalopocolips safe to watch while little? - Little Moxie

[@MarkMaker]

Metalocalypse is absolutely NOT safe to watch while little! It was on Adult Swim for VERY good reason. But you did a good thing by asking first!

[@LoxieMoxie]

@@MarkMaker Thanks for telling me!! I appreciate it! - Big Moxie

[@cookiecat7759]

def agree

[@HomoCyborgZombie]

"Nurse bendy" [Internally screaming]

[@MarkMaker]

?

[@HopefulStars-pt6hi]

So I do age regression, but I have DID. I have 2, little alters I do have,I'm also little myself though,but i can't have some of my coping mechanism 😭😭😔😔😔 when I'm in little space 😅 Because in big space I do weed 😅,and also ty for the video Instagram 😅has good peaple

[@crystalwaites4731]

2:15

[@Moonxsnow]

Hi it's me again

[@afluffylittlefriend4597]

" Did you learn something new" Are you kidding me??? The same bone that lasts longer in a hydraulic press than a BOWLING BALL will go "Oh no you used a pacifier" and ruin your mouth??? Geez. Evolution and biology can be weird as frick in humans.

[@MarkMaker]

I'll take this as something good; glad I could help teach you something!

[@luisarturofernandezchau8100]

I have this thing about dont know if im very connected to my inner child my adult mind is one with it ihave tgis stuff for toddlers like shows and goodnites but i hid it from people i watch cartoons eat sour candy play computer games for little kids i watch barney i whined i do try to do my adult life in my. Work i try to keep as adult as possible i have a adult coloring book a stuffed animal chewbacca stuffed i wondered to get a onesie with a bit dark colors am i a little or not im in. Secret i didnt tell my family or my friends anything i do whine and be shy talk in child like in home and few times in publicand this like for toddlers babies since i was 8 until adulthood i wanted to wear them since then itsnt it deaging or something physically

[@amberrichards2778]

Age regression is valid. Age play (in a kink sense) is also valid. There's a very important distinction. I'm just wondering, why not get the things marketed to age players? It's all the same onsie, all the same pacifiers. They're just made for adults.

[@MarkMaker]

It's just a matter of personal comfort for those who would rather not engage with those communities. And that is also valid.

[@dumbnoodleman]

It tends to feel predatory with the age play stuff and it makes many people highly uncomfortable

[@Moonxsnow]

Hi I'm new to your channel and right now I am small I have a pacifier in a few snacks and a soda

[@Samayo0630]

LIKE I GET IT BUT WHY DOES EVERYTHING HAVE TO HAVE A TERMMMMMMM ALL OF THESE TERMS ARE SO GOOFYY LIKE 😭😭😭

[@MarkMaker]

Because we as a human race understand things better when there are _words_ for them??? 😱🤯🤨

[@Zilatra]

As you can see here I have reached a new low in my life 😅

[@MarkMaker]

What low? Age regression? That's not a low.

[@gotmybootyout5793]

I think there is a huge problem with people deciding to fake it but they base their performance on age play instead of regression. There’s a lot of people on TikTok that clearly are not familiar with the REAL thing.