Maybe you took something that is not yours or caused immense pain to someone. Maybe you lied or cheated on your spouse. Whatever unforgivable (in your eyes) act you committed, it’s only normal to feel guilty and remorseful about it. However, when you become too preoccupied with past failures and permanently believe they are signs of inadequacy, you have an unrealistic sense of guilt.

When you assume responsibility for many failures and blame your own decisions and actions, you become delusional with guilt. You tend to be nervous about your actions and afraid that others may find out about your weaknesses. This makes guilt unhealthy and a major obstacle to a fulfilling life.

A Perspective on Guilt

Guilt is considered a good emotion if it helps prevent you from doing something bad or it pushes you to fix a mistake. When guilt, however, persists for a long, long time, it becomes a negative behavior. It can deter you from being productive or doing things that you think might lead you to commit the same mistake. If you haven’t forgiven yourself for a past mistake, it can be an obstacle that will stand in your way to make moving forward difficult.

When Guilt Worsens

If you have an abundance of guilt, it can intoxicate your relationship. You feel responsible for others to the extent of sacrificing yourself in order to solve their problems. Guilt reduces the power or control you have over your emotions and thoughts. You tend to believe that every misfortune is your fault. This will make you lose your assertiveness even if people mistreat you.

Unfortunately, this is inappropriate guilt. As you lose control over your feelings, thoughts and actions, it can breed other emotional and psychological problems-hopelessness, sadness, anxiety and depression. Don’t wait for these to happen; get timely help from a therapist who can teach you how to place guilt in its right perspective.

Rule Life with the Right Guilt

You’re probably tired living with constant guilt and feeling that things are not turning out the way they should be because it is interfering with your false guilt. If all you do is make bad decisions because guilt alters the way you think and act, it is time to end it. Don’t struggle with false guilt. Instead use it to your advantage to help you decide and respond to circumstances more confidently.

To effect the necessary change, contact Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC to help you make sense of guilt and take back control of your life. Call to request for an appointment. With CCS, you’ll have the opportunity to work with our experienced counselors and therapists who can help you make the right decisions without regrets. After treatment, you will enjoy the feeling of being able to forgive yourself.