Freeing Yourself
from Guilt and Shame

Guilt can be a highly misunderstood word. Even psychologists have conflicting perceptions about 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 a virtue from which you may learn a lesson. Guilt can become problematic if it begins to overwhelm you to the extent at which you begin to feel as if you are losing control over your decisions and actions. For that reason, you may not wish to allow guilt to overstay its welcome. You can free yourself from problematic guilt or shame with the right professional help.

Guilt vs. Shame

Guilt is a feeling that can generate an uncomfortable feeling inside, knowing you have done something that you view to be “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 shamed by what you did, to the point that it prevents you from talking about your mistake or rectifying it, then the guilt may have turned into a negative response.

There is a difference between guilt and shame, though both can be overwhelming. You don’t want either emotion to control you. The key may be in being able to talk about your distressing feelings, work through them and then use your emotional energy positively. This may not be easy and professional help may make this step easier.

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 befalling 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 to let guilt constantly interfering in your life. If you are finding yourself making more mistakes because guilt is taking over your decisions, you may benefit from professional help in order to be able to move away from shame and to generate a more positive response.

To be free from the guilt that may be overwhelming you or causing you to feel shame, reach out to an expertly trained, licensed, independently contracted therapist. Call 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 into productive and healthy responses. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.

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