topic How can I cope with feelings of extreme guilt? in Anxiety

How can I cope with feelings of extreme guilt?

hopeful123 — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 22:10:18 GMT

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this space, and I'm struggling a lot with guilt. I have been struggling with guilt a lot lately. I feel paralyzed by it. It's consuming my whole life. I can't seem to shake it and it's making me feel so anxious and puts me in a panic. It's a new thing almost every day. I don't know what to do. For example; feeling so guilty about purposely wasting time at work. I've tried talking to people, and most of them just say, let it go, it doesn't matter in the scheme of things. But I can't help it. I feel like it's one of the worst things I've done!

Has anyone else experienced something like this? How have you dealt with it?

How can I cope with feelings of extreme guilt?

Croix — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 23:54:44 GMT

Dear Hopeful123~

I'm pleased you chose the name you did, it fits in well and there is indeed a lot of hope. I've had an anxiety condition for a pretty long time and can understand exactly what you are saying. Whatever you do or think the thoughts follow in and you are left questioning what you did, and feeling pretty horrible. A real trap.

The people that say "let it go" simply don't understand that it is not an option. You get that a lot, if they have not been there they can't really advise.

I don't think you try to treat the guilt, which is a sort of byproduct. You treat the basic cause. I am miles better than I used to be and that is because of three things. Medial treatment, personal support and trying to combat things myself.

So if I was in your position I'd go see my GP and in a long consultation explain what is happening to you and how you feel. Write it down first if you think it might be hard to explain -I did, than shared the paper. Hopefully you will be diagnosed and started on a path to better things.

I found my family's support and the fact I did not have to hide my feelings and what was going on was a great help. Do you have anyone, partner, family or friend you can talk to, who will care and want to help?

Apart from that I try to deal with these thoughts as they come up, by exercise, moving away from the scene, distraction so my mind goes into another space - I use books and movies - plus if things get too bad I use the free smartphone app Smiling Mind to occupy my mind - good but takes practice.

I'd suggest you have a look both at the Anxiety sections of The Facts menu above for background information and around this Forum to see how some others have coped.

If you would like to come back and talk more that would be great

Croix

How can I cope with feelings of extreme guilt?

hopeful123 — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 00:12:59 GMT

Thank you Croix so much for your response.

I managed to get on to my Mum this morning and had a chat to her about it. Boy, does it help talking to someone! She gave me some great advice, and so have you which I thank you so much for.

How can I cope with feelings of extreme guilt?

Croix — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 00:24:11 GMT

Dear Hopeful123~

I'm really pleased you were able to talk to your mum and even more pleased that it turned out so well.

Don't think you have to stop talking now, we are here for you always. It's not easy to fix anxiety because it takes time, but you get there.

Croix

How can I cope with feelings of extreme guilt?

hopeful123 — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 00:55:48 GMT

It is difficult because it's almost like, when I talk about it I feel better. I realise I'm overreacting, or even if I'm not overreacting, I don't actually need to feel as guilty as I do because I can learn from my mistakes and move on.

But then when I hang up the phone it's like all of that progress I made disappears. I'm left with my own thoughts and horrible feelings of guilt yet again.

How can I cope with feelings of extreme guilt?

OPTIMUS_PRIME — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 07:35:15 GMT

Hi hopeful, I've certainly felt guilty Alot over the years, & these days, just a day at a time, & sometimes a moment a time,if I have something on my conscience weighing me down, I need to firstly if safe, approach the person & tell them why I feel guilty. Other times when I had no one to support me, I could write everything down on paper that I felt guilty about. Other times I tried counselling & kinesiology. It all helped me. Now I just live one day at a time 🙃