The Cambridge Dictionary defines guilt as “a feeling of worry or unhappiness that you have because you have done something wrong…” Guilt is a normal emotional reaction. However, if you allow guilt to hang around too long, it will feel like a thousand pounds. Eventually it begins affecting more areas of your life. Guilt counseling is an excellent tool to help cast off the weight of your guilt and free yourself.
Effects of Guilt
Feelings of guilt are oftentimes associated with mental health illnesses such as depression and anxiety. If left untreated, guilt can impact what you believe about yourself and have a negative effect on your self-esteem. When a person feels inadequate, it is very difficult to keep moving forward to pursue and achieve goals. Guilt can steal joy and happiness. It can cause you to avoid the person you may have hurt or even isolate yourself from everyone. Effects of guilt also present as anxiety, worry, upset stomach, regret, difficulty sleeping, perseverance over past mistakes, and muscle tension. In more serious cases, guilt can lead to self-harm or wanting to harm others.
If you are experiencing any of the above effects of guilt, it is time for grief counseling. Your mental well-being and quality of life go hand in hand, so it’s important to seek help so you can optimize your health.
Grief Counseling with Garrett
Our team of professionals at Garrett are available in three convenient locations to serve your needs in Alabama: Jacksonville, Huntsville, and Albertville / Boaz. Online appointments are also available for those who prefer meeting with a counselor from the safety and security of their own home. Contact us today for your initial consultation and see how our team at Garrett can help free you from the weight of guilt. You can reach us at (256) 239-5662, or click here to fill out the online form.