EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH
Guilt and shame?
Guilt is a feeling of responsibility or regret for doing something wrong. Shame is a feeling of humiliation or disgrace.
Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else — or if there’s any type of health emergency — please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
How guilt and shame might show up
Guilt and shame are often confused with each other, but there is a key difference between the two. Guilt is focused on a specific behavior or action, while shame is focused on one’s overall self.
Talking to a therapist and treatment such as group therapy can help with guilt and shame if they are interfering with your daily life and making it difficult to work or go to school. Additional signs that you may be struggling with guilt and shame include:
- Substance use or self-harm
- Emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts
- Experiencing a traumatic event such as childhood abuse or neglect
- Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends
Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else — or if there’s any type of health emergency — please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Guilt and shame can feel very similar, but there are some key differences. For example, you might feel guilty if you lied to a friend or broke a promise. Shame, on the other hand, is more about your sense of self. It’s a feeling of inadequacy or worthlessness. Shame can be triggered by a negative experience, but it can also be more general, like a feeling that you’re not good enough.
Frequently asked questions about guilt and shame
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Guilt and shame can be healthy emotions in certain situations. For example, guilt can motivate us to make amends for our mistakes and become better people. Shame can help us understand social norms and act appropriately in social situations. However, guilt and shame can become unhealthy if they are too intense or persistent. Chronic feelings of guilt or shame can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.