Do You Have a “Guilt Complex”?

Guilt is a natural emotion that most feel, however, it can become excessive and feel as if it’s taking on a life of its own. Guilt also becomes unhealthy when it has exacerbated into what some might call a “guilt complex.” When we experience this we can feel as if we are trapped inside of our guilt. A guilt complex can leave you feeling perpetually guilty, affecting the way you behave and interact with others. Guilt doesn’t have to control your life and ruin your relationships, therapy can help.

Five Types of Guilt

According to the Learning Mind, there are five types of guilt that may spiral into guilt complex:

  • Guilt for something you did. This is where your actions caused hurt or harm to someone directly.
  • Guilt for something you didn’t do (but wanted to). This is referring to when you want to do something that goes against your moral code, but you don’t.
  • Guilt for something you think you did. Studies show that if we perceive we have done something wrong, we can feel the same feelings of guilt as if we had actually done something “wrong”.
  • Guilt that you didn’t do enough. This is when you feel you could have done more for someone and are now beating yourself up about it.
  • Guilt that you are doing better than others. Often called ‘survivor guilt,’ this is where you feel you are doing better but don’t really deserve it.

All of these feelings are natural when felt in small doses. When guilt, however, becomes overwhelming, to the extent that it interferes with your daily life, it is important to dig deeper.

What Indicates a “Guilt Complex”?

Some things that may indicate guilt complex are:

  • Experiencing Some Paranoia. When you are guilty, your mind works tirelessly. You will have the tendency to be distrustful or suspicious of people. You will also likely project your guilt through defensiveness and your interactions with others.
  • Being Overcritical. You become overly sensitive to what people say or do. As a result, you tend to focus on seemingly minor things, feeling they are bigger than they actually are. It can be a way to overcompensate unresolved guilt.
  • Rude Behaviors. To cover up your guilt or as a form of defense, you may put down others using jokes and picking on them. This can also be a tactical method to put others in the “limelight,” instead of yourself.
  • “Freudian Slips.” These are little comments that reveal the guilt that is running in your subconscious. This happens when guilt is consciously suppressed. These slips can be embarrassing.
  • Overcompensating. If you are feeling guilty, you may unconsciously overcompensate, so it is less noticed.
  • Taking responsibility for things you aren’t responsible for. You may do this in an effort to take the attention off of you or what you have done. It can be a way of making amends or lessening your feelings of guilt.

Overcoming Guilt

A little guilt won’t harm you. It is almost innate. While guilt is a natural emotion, too much guilt is unhealthy. Excessive guilt can be paralyzing and it’s hard to know where to turn when you are experiencing it. Studies reveal that guilt is linked to depression, anxiety, self-harm, and other emotional concerns.

If you are constantly feeling guilty, don’t wait for it to become unmanageable. You can seek professional help. Counseling has been shown to be effective in relieving excessive guilt and helping to improve how you feel. Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC contracts independent therapists and counselors that can work with you to move through your guilt and come out stronger on the other side. Call CCS today to get started.

Related Articles: