Guilt & Shame

Guilt and shame are complex emotions that can profoundly affect our well-being. While guilt arises when we feel remorse or a sense of responsibility for something we have done wrong or perceive as wrong, shame is a different experience altogether. Unlike guilt, which allows us to take steps to make amends and move forward, shame revolves around the belief that we, as individuals, are inherently flawed or unworthy.

Guilt:

• Guilt stems from a specific action, such as making a mistake, committing an offense, or unintentionally hurting someone.
• It involves feeling remorse or responsibility for our actions, acknowledging the wrongdoing or perceived wrongdoing.

Shame:

• Shame goes beyond a specific behaviour or event and focuses on our perception of ourselves as fundamentally bad, deserving of contempt, or inadequate as individuals.
• It is often linked to our self-concept and can be influenced by other people’s opinions and judgments.

It is important to recognize the distinction between guilt and shame. Guilt allows for the possibility of redemption and growth by addressing specific actions or mistakes, while shame tends to undermine our self-esteem and does not offer a clear path towards self-improvement. By understanding the differences between these emotions, we can work towards fostering self-compassion and developing healthier perspectives about ourselves.

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