Survivor’s Guilt

Survivor’s Guilt – what is it? As a therapist, I’ve worked with many clients who have experienced the grief and guilt that comes from surviving a trauma. While it’s normal to experience these emotions after an event like this, it can also be helpful to talk about your feelings with someone who understands them. In this post you’ll learn more about Survivor’s Guilt and how best to deal with it.

What is Survivor’s Guilt?

Survivor’s guilt is a form of self-blame. Survivors of traumatic events, like a car accident or natural disaster, may feel guilty for surviving when others didn’t. This can be triggered by the death of a friend or family member; the guilt experienced by survivors may cause them to question whether they should have been able to save their loved one—or at least done something differently to prevent them from dying.

How to Recognize It

There are many ways to know if you are experiencing Survivor’s Guilt. The first is if you feel guilty that you’re still alive and others died. You might feel like there was something more you could have done to prevent the death, or that somehow your actions led to their death.

Another way of knowing is if you feel guilty just because someone died, even if it wasn’t your fault or even if they were very old and ready to die anyway (like grandparents). You might also feel guilty that those who did die were younger than yourself and had a full life ahead of them when they passed away, while yours is still in front of you.

Another way someone may experience Survivor’s Guilt is by feeling like they should have died instead of their loved one; after all, being able to live on without them must mean that person wasn’t worth living for!

How Do I Deal with Survivor’s Guilt?

• Talk it Out
  

  If you are feeling guilty, talk to a therapist or a trusted friend.

• Record your Thoughts in a Journal

  This can help you see things more clearly and get some of your emotions out on paper so that they don’t feel like such a heavy burden to carry around all the time.

• Meditate for 10 Minutes Every Day

  When our minds are relaxed and still, we are better able to deal with our emotions without letting them take over our lives and control us. Meditating will also help reduce stress levels which can be another factor contributing towards guilt feelings in those who have lost someone close through suicide or suicide attempts (or any other type of death).

• Exercise Regularly
  

  This helps relieve stress levels as well as giving the body something positive that it can focus on rather than negative thoughts which may trigger feelings of guilt once again

Other Survivor’s Guilt Resources

• Talk to a Professional

  If you are struggling with guilt or grief and want to talk with someone who can help, consider talking with a therapist.

• Talk to a Friend

  A friend can offer comfort and understanding in times of need, but they might not always be available. And it is important to remember that friends also have their own lives and problems. So, don’t feel pressured into sharing details if you are not ready or comfortable doing so. Read books about guilt or death (or both). Survivor’s Guilt is a unique feeling that many people experience after a traumatic event. You may feel guilty because you survived when your loved one didn’t, or you may have no idea why you feel this way at all. The important thing is that you know what Survivor’s Guilt is, how it affects people and how they deal with it.

About Foothill Funeral & Cremation Services

Funeral directing is a unique job. The reason we enjoy it is because we love helping families during their time of need. Drop by our Glendora showroom any time. In Covina, our relationship with Sacred Heart Chapel is the perfect place for mourners to host funerals and memorial services in a grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity, and trust. Please allow us to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.