Survivors’ Guilt

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Do you feel guilt for not directly going through the pain of traumatic events that others are facing?

Survivors guilt is a common emotional experience that develops in people who have survived a traumatic incident.

Some survivors feel guilty that they survived when others died.

It is when someone thinks that ‘other people dying instead of me means that I have done something wrong’, ‘ or that I do not deserve to be alive and not struggling while others are’

Guilt after trauma is common and it does not necessarily mean that the person has PTSD.

Previous negative self-schemas could contribute to the feelings of survivors’ guilt.

Like someone who thinks that ‘I am not worthy’, might see that their survival is unfair and others deserve to to live more than them which can trigger feelings of guilt and shame.

They may even think that others will think the same (‘they wish the other person had survived instead of me’).

If you're struggling with guilt for surviving a traumatic experience that others are experiencing, there are some simple strategies that can help you feel better

  1. Give yourself the permission to grieve.
  2. Take positive actions to help and support others.
  3. Consider external factors that played a role in the event.
  4. Know that it's normal to feel this way.
  5. Remember that it is okay to be grateful for what you have, and that you are safe from what is happening, while worrying about what others are going through.

Take home message: 

They key is to be open and aware of our experiences.

If you find yourself struggling to process a traumatic event or any unpleasant feelings, don't hesitate to reach out and send me a message or an email on kindmindbydana@gmail.com 😊

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