Help With Getting Past Guilt And Shame

Getting past feelings of guilt and shame is an important aspect of improving your mental health. These emotions can be challenging to navigate, but with the right strategies and support, you can work towards healing and self-acceptance. Here are some ways to seek mental health help for dealing with guilt and shame:

  1. Therapy/Counseling:

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns related to guilt and shame.

    • A therapist can provide a safe space to explore the underlying causes of these emotions and develop coping strategies.

  2. Self-Compassion Practice:

    • Learn self-compassion techniques to treat yourself with kindness and understanding.

    • Replace self-criticism with self-compassionate self-talk and behaviors.

  3. Mindfulness Meditation:

    • Mindfulness practices can help you observe your emotions without judgment.

    • Mindfulness can reduce rumination and provide a sense of acceptance.

  4. Journaling:

    • Write about your feelings of guilt and shame, exploring the thoughts and memories associated with them.

    • Challenge distorted thoughts and replace them with more balanced perspectives.

  5. Group Therapy/Support Groups:

    • Participate in group therapy or support groups where you can share your experiences with others who can relate.

    • This can provide a sense of validation and reduce feelings of isolation.

  6. Express Emotions:

    • Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist about your guilt and shame.

    • Expressing your emotions can help release pent-up feelings and provide perspective.

  7. Guilt vs. Shame Understanding:

    • Understand the distinction between guilt (feeling bad about a specific action) and shame (feeling bad about oneself as a whole).

    • This understanding can help you address each emotion appropriately.

  8. Forgiveness (Self and Others):

    • Work on forgiving yourself for past mistakes or actions that led to guilt.

    • Explore forgiveness toward others involved in the situations causing shame.

  9. Cultivate Self-Esteem:

    • Focus on building your self-esteem and self-worth through positive self-affirmations and self-validation.

  10. Behavioral Changes:

    • If guilt is related to certain behaviors, work on making amends or taking steps to change those behaviors.

    • Taking positive actions can help alleviate feelings of guilt.

  11. Focus on Growth:

    • Shift your perspective to view mistakes and failures as opportunities for growth and learning.

    • Celebrate your progress and efforts, regardless of outcomes.

  12. Seek Professional Help:

    • If guilt and shame are deeply ingrained or significantly affecting your daily life, consider seeking the guidance of a mental health professional.

Remember that healing from guilt and shame takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge that seeking help is a sign of strength. With the right support, you can work towards letting go of these negative emotions and building a healthier and more compassionate relationship with yourself.

Call or text 988 for the Suicide Prevention Hotline for Immediate Help.

Diane Gammon LPC-MHSP, CMHIMP, ASDCS, NCC, M.S.

Diane serves all of Tennessee and has an office in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Diane is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Service Provider (TN; #4895) National Board Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (#888025), Certified Integrated Medicine Nutritional Mental Health Professional and Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist

Call, Text (615-556-8406) or Email Diane Gammon at Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com to schedule an In-Person or Telehealth Secure (HIPPA Compliant) Video Counseling Session or to ask a question.

Email: Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Dr. Dan Davidson DC, Chiropractor at The Back Resort in Salem Virginia

Disclaimer: The content in this blog is for informational purposes only to share various health topics to encourage and inspire healthy living. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before undertaking a new health care regimen and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website/ blog.

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YOUR LIFE MATTERS!

Diane Gammon