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Guilt: Where Does it Hurt?

Heavy Heart? Emotional baggage? These are terms we have all probably said or heard expressed. Both are the result of “emotional debt,” a condition that occurs when we have unresolved feelings tied to the past. Perhaps there have been times when you could not express your true feelings in a particular moment and you resent or regret not being able to express yourself appropriately. Guilt and shame are often byproducts of emotional debt.

Guilt is defined as self-reproach for supposed inadequacy or wrongdoing. Shame is the long-term belief that who you are or what you have done is bad. We ALL have feelings of guilt and shame from time to time; this is normal. When these feelings become overwhelming, are difficult to overcome, or interfere with our functioning, we need to recognize the need for professional help.