Freeing Yourself
from Guilt and Shame

Audio Version

Guilt can be a highly misunderstood word. Even mental health professionals have conflicting views of it. Some believe it is a wasted, even crippling emotion. Some believe it to be useful, particularly if it allows people to regret their wrongdoings and try to make amends to correct them.

It may be beneficial to know that not all guilt is helpful. Guilt can become problematic if it becomes overwhelming or if you feel as if you are losing control over your decisions or actions. Guilt can be paralyzing, but it doesn’t have to be. Many find counseling to be helpful when they realize that their guilt is holding them back. 

Guilt vs. Shame

Guilt is a feeling that can generate an uncomfortable feeling inside, knowing you have done something you feel is “wrong”. If you talk about it with someone you trust and try your best to make amends, then guilt may turn into a healthy response to a mistake. If you are too ashamed of what you did, to the point that it prevents you from talking about your mistake or rectifying it, then your guilt may begin to become toxic and shift to shame. 

There is a difference between guilt and shame, though both can be overwhelming. You don’t want either emotion to control you. While guilt tells us what we did was bad, shame tells us that we are bad. Things can begin to shift when you are able to talk about your distressing feelings, work through them and then use your emotional energy positively. This may not be easy therapy can help.

Being Overwhelmed By Guilt

Regardless of how you may view guilt, many can agree that being consumed by guilt is not always productive. It can stand in the way of you forgiving yourself. It can deter you from being productive or from fixing a mistake. These defeating feelings can be similarly devastating for your thoughts and self-esteem.

Once you are consumed by guilt, you may find that you blame yourself for every misfortune faced by you, your family, your job and/or business, perhaps even everything you have a stake in. It may also negatively impact your most valued relationships – sacrificing yourself to make amends to people you hurt in the past. You may even begin to feel as if you are losing your control over your thoughts, emotions and life in general.

Doing Something About Your Guilt

Regardless of what you believe about guilt – good or bad – it can be important to not let guilt interfere in your life. If you are finding yourself stuck in guilt and shame it may be time to reach out for help. 

Guilt and shame don’t have to hold you hostage, reach out to an expertly trained therapist contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC. A therapist can help you begin to take control of your emotions and become better able to channel your emotional energy. You deserve to move forward, leaving your guilt behind. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.

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