Understanding Guilt: From Helpful Emotion to Mental Health Challenge
When guilt is really helpful, because it has this like active part of it, like, oh, I messed up, I'm gonna be able to fix it- versus shame, which is like I'm just a bad person, there's nothing I can do.
Ever felt that pang of guilt when you’ve done something wrong? While guilt can push us to make amends, it can also spiral into something much more harmful. In this episode of 'A Little Help For Our Friends', hosts Jacqueline Trumbull and Dr. Kibby McMahon dive into the complexities of guilt, especially when it becomes pathological. They explore how extreme guilt can fuel mental health issues like OCD, depression, PTSD, and prolonged grief.
Jacqueline and Kibby break down the differences between guilt and shame, highlighting how our upbringing can play a significant role in these feelings. They also discuss the toll guilt can take on relationships and why emotional awareness is key to managing it. If you or a loved one struggle with overwhelming guilt, this episode offers practical tips on setting boundaries and improving emotional well-being.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation that might just help you understand guilt in a whole new light.