#permanent regression

Again, the oc has a VERY sad story, especially since most of the stuff from their POV sounds like the thoughts of a scared child trapped with strangers in a killing game (considering they're permanently regressed, and all). But, before they lost their memories, Junko found out about it. And because she loves any and all suffering, when she brainwashed them into becoming an Ultimate Despair, she purposefully made them trap themself somewhere where they could be constantly bullied and picked on by a bunch of brainwashed citizens for being regressed—even making them stay in a child-like room with all of their fears. Basically, she made them live out their worst nightmare as a regressor, and they agreed to it due to their brainwashing. They weren't entirely though, since as an Ultimate Despair, they would purposefully let others like them (not regressed permanently, just age regressed in general) be lured there by some of the brainwashed citizens so they could be put through the same Hell (though they would always act all innocent about it and say they just wanted a 'playmate'.

Either way, Nagito ends up learning about whats going on with them when he leads the file about everyone, and ends up finding out then that the oc in question is age regressed, what they did as an Ultimate Despair and how they became that, etc etc. Due to this, this influences how he behaves toward them in Chapter 4 (obviously).

Andddd.. this is mainly just for story purposes, or what you guys think would be more interesting—but here's the ideas I had for how he acts toward them after learning about it. (Also, he admittedly doesnt know much about age regression, but did read that it was a symptom of Dementia in the later stages after being diagnosed with it, so hes not gonna be all judgemental about it dw 😭 Also, its like 2012 in Japan, and not much is known about agere, so he does come from a place of at least not fully understanding it—he, again, isnt judging it though—he's just mildly confused.)

Idea 1: After learning the stuff about them in the file, he isnt exactly MEAN to them. But he does act noticeably different. He seems slightly nervous, and kind of quiet whenever they show up. He also pities them in a way since he cant help but feel bad knowing what they were trying desperately to hide the whole time in possible fear of being judged, and just what they were put through by Junko. So, despite his mild confusion—he tries to speak to them like he would an actual child. Like, not baby-talking or anything, but he is a little overly supportive of them and helps them out a little more when they're clearly struggling, and staying close to them whenever they show up. And he stands up for them when he thinks they're being 'judged' (key word, 'thinks'). But, the whole time, he clearly feels bad for them. (It may be a little more understandable too when I start actually making content of them? Cuz their whole story is really sad and I'm gonna often show them speaking from their own POV cuz everything's more tragic from their view. 😭)

Idea 2: A bit like Idea 1, except Nagito is a little more.. enthusiastically nice? Like, he pities them a little here, but since he knows what their deal is now, he decides to treat them what he thinks a kid should be treated like. He's VERY supportive of them, acts more 'happy' toward them, tries to make them a little more comfortable during the investigation by acting like its a game (sort of like trying to distract a child with a game during a distressing situation in order to comfort them), he leads them around basically everywhere, etc. He also, again, still pities them, but makes it less obvious since hes more focused on his anger toward the others, and also simultaneously trying to help them out during a killing game like this cuz he knows its VERY hard for them.

Idea 3: Hes mean to them in this idea, even if its a little less harsh than he is toward the others. But, it isnt cuz they're an age regressor of course, and he obviously doesnt plan to tell anyone about it (whether it be cuz he isnt sure how they'll react, or he doesnt want to reveal something like that without their permission). He's just mad they're an Ultimate Despair. So, in some attempt to be inclusive, he treats them more like an annoying/misbehaving child—constantly scolding them, not letting his eyes off of them whenever they're around, etc. In short, he isnt judging them for being a regressor, but he certainly isnt gonna hide the anger he feels at them being an Ultimate Despair.

Again, Nagito doesnt hate them for being one and isnt judging them, but he doesnt know like EVERYTHING since he only read about it being a symptom of Dementia in the later stages once, and only knows a few other details due to some of the stuff described in the file on them. So his behavior obviously wont be 'perfect' toward them since there are some things he doesnt understand (and frankly, none of them really hate them even later on when the survivors learn about it finally—but a few of them of course dont really understand some things about it at first—they come to be more understanding though)—but he clearly doesnt get a few things.

How does it affect people?

People who are in permanent regression cannot control their regression or regression-affected behaviors, such as cleaning, eating, bathing, or working. Permanent regressors often have body dysmorphia, age dysphoria, identity incognruence, trauma symptoms, and dissociative episodes. It is often impossible to function in daily life as someone who is permanently regressed without a designated family member, therapist, caregiver, or combination of adult guardian(s.) Permanent regression is majorly disruptive in every aspect of a person's life, activities, and personal relationships.

Is this the same as forever-kids?

The short answer is no. While forever-kids is a similar term, permanent regressors are unable to be aware of their adult status or do anything to switch off, they are completely regressed at all times. Forever kids is a community term, and loosely defined as "a regressor who is always or almost always in their headspace" (credit: deliriousdadd on IG.) Permanent regression is different, and not a headspace. It is where one cannot conceptualize they are in an adult body or have adult obligations, and live every day in the mental state of an infant or child. They are unable to do most things on their own, or ever come out of the regression they are in.

Am I a permanent regressor?

Permanent regression can often come across as delusion or dissociation due to the severity of it, which is why the answer will usually be no, and thats okay! It's a lot nicer to be someone that can use regression voluntarily and positively, and enjoy the time spent regressing. If you are able to complete basic tasks and bodily care, are aware and/or comfortable in being an adult, find your regression is mostly/entirely enjoyable or comforting, can function without adult input/help, or your regression is voluntary, you are likely not a permanent regressor.

Can I become a permanent regressor?

No. Permanent regression is not only completely involuntary, but also comes with a whole lot of pain, discomfort, and confusion. It is not something to aspire too or want to "achieve." While it's very possible to have good times and positive feelings as a permanent regressor, it is still a symptom of severe conditions. Just because it may sound like something nice, to "really feel like a kid all the time," in reality it is a life of misplacement and can be lonely.

Important things to note

Permanent regression is not something that is usually healthy or happy for those going through it. It is very important that if you are privleged enough to have access to healthcare such as therapy, and you feel you may be in permanent regression or nearing it, to see someone that can help you cope with it. Not everyone has access to the trauma therapy or medication needed to be able to move on and heal, and some people that are permanently regressed will not be able to move past it at all. Be concious of how you speak to those that experience it, and understand that what others are going through is likely much more alarming for them than it is for you.

Coined by me and my regressor

June of 2023

Owners of term >>>

@permanentparent + @faetoddler