The concept of deep regression

[Däddy]

Hallo zusammen

As you probably know it depends on the individual how far they take "being little". However some of them (my educated guess would be approximately one in ten from what I know from other forums and real life experience) take it very far. Let me introduce you to the concept of deep regression.

 

First off, what exactly is the difference between regression and deep regression?

Regression can take on many forms and each and every Little regresses in a different way. But some individuals experience what is called deep regression. In essence that means that their regression goes way further than just acting and feeling little - they actually become little. And that's not just a matter of semantics. Those who experience deep regression are first and foremost not aware that they're being little when they're being little because unlike in the other 90% that remaining adult mindset that lurks in the background gets completely shut down. That has a number of consequences; being little when in deep regression means that they're not only being little but that this actually influences their emotional, cognitive, behavioral and physical capabilities (physical meaning stuff like gesturing or fine motor skills for example) to such an extended that it is literally impossible for them to not be little. Second there is the problem that they can't just snap out of it because of that adult mindset in the background not being there (Clarissa, my little angel, and I recently had a situation where, while preparing dinner together, I cut my finger to the bone with a knife while slicing up some tomatoes - most Littles are able to at least somewhat comprehend what's going on in such a situation but she, being a deep regressor, just cried, panicked and legitimately feared I was going to die because of how much blood there was, she couldn't snap out of it even when we went to the hospital to get some stitches which brought a whole new level of stress to both of us but that's a different story). Last but not least deep regression also means that you as their caregiver are way more than just their Daddy or Mommy - they actually look up to you in the same way children look up to their parents, the dynamic is not a matter of dominance but one of safety, (parental) love and understanding. Essentially deep regressors are children trapped in an adult's body.

 

For you as a caregiver having a Little who is a deep regressor means that you can't just treat them like most other Littles. In fact, there are a few things (basically like rules for the Caregiver) that you need to keep in mind at all times:

1) Absolutely no sexual anything when they're being little. No acts, comments or even jokes. They can't and won't understand and you are going to inflict emotional harm on them if you still do it. Don't even tell them how attractive they are to you, they won't understand.

2) Because they're not aware that they're being little please take the same safety precautions you'd take when you'd have a young child. That can be things like putting these safety things in your power outlets so that they can't stick stuff in there, locking away stuff like kitchen knifes, power tools or medicine, constantly supervising them when they're playing with stuff that is a choking hazard and so on. Always expect the unexpected; just like young children their curious mind may get them into nasty situations if you don't prep your house properly.

3) Don't ever leave them home alone when they're being little, not even for the five minute trip to the gas station. Their fear of being alone and that sense of abandonment are very real, especially when their little-age is in the toddler range or younger. Same goes for other fears they may have that may not seem rational to you as an adult, like being afraid of the dark for example. It's not an act they put on, they legitimately feel these things.

4) Be prepared and know that there may be emotional chaos when they're coming back from Littlespace. Because of the extensive influence deep regression has on their mind it can be very hard for them to cope with coming back.

5) Don't be surprised if they do damage any of your stuff while playing - just like children they are not (fully) aware that all actions have consequences, again that's massively influenced by what their little-age actually is. 

6) When they're being bratty it's not for the same reasons other Littles who do not experience deep regression are being bratty. If you choose to punish them for whatever they may have done or when they're throwing a tamper tantrum keep in mind that they are literally being little - so unlike in many other CGL relationships corporal punishment is an absolute no-go.

7) When they slip into Littlespace in public play along, they can't help it, it's not a choice for them. Know and learn their triggers and try to avoid said triggers when it's inappropriate for them to be little. If it still happens don't try to "get them back" because you simply can't.

 

So how do you know your Little is a deep regressor? Probably the most common sign is that due to the influence it has on their mind things like having difficulties reading and writing or not being able to understand your adult behavior while in Littlespace may show. Clarissa for example loses her ability to play the piano or even tie her shoes and doesn't understand any other language except German (her and my mother tongue) despite having learned English and French in school and actually being very good at both languages.

Other signs may be not remembering what exactly happened while they were in Littlespace, showing little to no interest in things they absolutely love as adults, intense emotional response to their caregiver having a different opinion or idea, lots and lots of curiosity-questions about the simple things in life, having legitimate trouble understanding big words and so on and so forth. 

Essentially communication is key, talk to them about what exactly changes for them when they go into Littlespace, how they feel when they're coming back, if they even can tell when they're being little and so on. Many Littles don't even know they're deep regressors at first and only find out over time through the painful process of getting in trouble.

I am sharing this with you because I feel it's important to know about it. This topic sure may have had that brain of yours come up with a few questions, feel free to raise your hand. And although only a small minority are actually experiencing deep regression it may very well be that your Little (or in case you're a Little reading this you yourself) is one of them. I met a lot of caregivers who didn't know this was a thing but once they learned about it their relationship greatly improved because it was the eye-opener they needed.

 

Take care 😛

 

[Middlespace Brat]

I do this, though it is more of a symptom of my mental illness than anything. But this has some very nice info on it and how I and maybe other littles need to be treated during these times. It's often scary to go through this, and I'm glad Clarissa has someone like you to help her through it. I hope for her it's pleasant as well, as I know just how scary it can feel. Thank you for sharing!

[Cutelilgirl]

Thats very interesting post.. i didnt know there was a thing like that.. 

[Alisolte]

This post is the reason I joined the forum today... I'm so grateful to hear someone discussing this. I've always thought something was wrong with me and have denied and protected my most vulnerable self from others due to fear of mistreatment. Anyway, my heart felt lighter reading this. It's like a public service announcement, lol. 😊 Thank you.