Why does personal growth sometimes feel like a quiet loss? Ever look back at an old photo and feel a strange mix of nostalgia and sadness for the person you once were? You're evolving, becoming stronger, wiser, but there's still a strange ache for the person you used to be. In today's episode, we explore the psychology behind this often-unspoken phenomenon of grieving our past selves.

Things we discuss:

What it means to grieve a former 'you’
The role of disenfranchised grief
The ‘nostalgia trap’
Our evolving sense of self and the fluidity of identity
Why we romanticise the past
How we can integrate past versions of ourselves and embracing growth

If you've ever felt that subtle pang for a past version of yourself, this episode is for you!

Listen to Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

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The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

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304. Why we grieve past versions of ours...