Guilt & Shame

We, the general public, tend to use I feel ashamed and I feel guilty interchangeably. However, neuropsychology research suggests guilt and shame are two very different emotional processes. Simply put, the difference between guilt and shame this: We feel guilty for what we do. We feel shame for who we are. Guilt means I did something bad whereas shame means I am bad. Often we feel both simultaneously. ‘I did something bad because (or therefore) I am bad’.  

 The world’s most sensible person and the biggest idiot both stay within us. The worst part is, you can’t even tell who is who.        -Chetan Bhagat

Though guilt and shame are similar and often used interchangeably, recent neuroscience research suggests that they are very different emotional processes. They both underpin self-correction but they are made up of different brain chemistry, are based on different beliefs, and motivate different reactions (1).   Guilt arises when we think that we have done damage […]

Inner Critic critics

Our inner critics can be erosive, exhausting, and even damaging to us. But they can be very effective at motivating us too. (Read more about this here). The following post will provide suggestions on how to add a more compassionate and constructive voice to your mix of inner critical voices.   Visualise your inner critic. […]

Guilt feelings are common, healthy, and useful in short durations. However, when guilt lingers passed its usefulness, it can cause emotional distress and lead to more serious psychological issues. These steps suggest ways to effectively repair relationships when it is possible and ways to let go of useless and destructive guilt when it is not. […]