Struggling with Guilt? Here’s How to Let Go and Practice Self-Compassion
- Valerie Gosselin - Evolve Counselling
- Nov 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Many of us, myself included, struggle with guilt—it can feel like a dark cloud following us. While uncomfortable, guilt serves an important purpose. It’s a natural emotional response that helps guide our behavior, keeping us aligned with our values.
There are two kinds of guilt: healthy and unhealthy. Healthy guilt fosters self-awareness and personal growth, motivating us to make amends or change our behavior. Unhealthy guilt, on the other hand, can trap us in a cycle of self-blame and prevent healing. It often arises when we hold ourselves to unrealistic standards, take responsibility for things beyond our control, or struggle to forgive ourselves for past mistakes. This kind of guilt can lead to anxiety, depression, and negative self-talk.
Letting Go of Guilt and Practicing Self-Compassion
If unhealthy guilt is weighing you down, it’s crucial to practice self-compassion. Here are a few steps to help you release guilt and treat yourself kindly:
Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize the guilt you’re feeling. Naming it helps you assess whether it’s healthy or unhealthy and allows you to reflect on it with clarity.
Assess the Situation: Is the guilt proportionate to the situation? Did you cause harm that needs addressing, or are you blaming yourself for things outside your control? This can help you separate responsibility from self-blame.
Make Amends, If Needed: If your actions have hurt someone, take responsibility and apologize sincerely. Learn from the experience and move forward with a plan to avoid repeating the same mistake.
Practice Self-Forgiveness: Everyone makes mistakes. Be as gentle with yourself as you would be with a close friend. Self-forgiveness is key to letting go of guilt and healing.
Focus on the Present: Let go of past mistakes that can’t be changed. Practice mindfulness and direct your energy toward the person you want to be today, rather than dwelling on the past.
Seek Support: Sometimes, guilt feels too heavy to carry alone. Talking to a therapist or a trusted person can help you process and release unhealthy guilt.
Guilt, in moderation, is a normal and even helpful emotion. But it’s important to recognize when it’s serving you and when it’s holding you back. By distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy guilt, you can release unnecessary self-blame and practice self-compassion.
This will help you experience greater emotional freedom and peace of mind.
If guilt is affecting your mental health or preventing you from moving forward, therapy can be a supportive space to explore these feelings and develop strategies for healing.
Reach out if you'd like to learn more about how therapy can help you let go of guilt and cultivate greater self-compassion.
Warmly,
Valerie
