Depression affects a large number of people in society. Guilt is another problem affecting the mind. Modern psychiatry has coined the term ‘survival guilt’ for the condition when this situation aggravates.
Incidentally, people suffering from survival guilt would not have carried out any serious crime or committed a sin. On the other hand, this condition is created out of a feeling that you are a burden for others.
It has been observed that the survivors of various difficult challenges develop survival guilt. Those affected include those who lose loved ones, patients of serious ailments like cancer, childless couples and so on who feel that they are a burden to others.
Signs of this condition
People affected by survival guilt keep away from others. They do not take part in public functions and prefer to remain at home leading solitary lives. These people would remember death during every dream. They would also be suffering from severe depression.
How to help
Relatives and friends can help people suffering from survival guilt. The first step is to help these people overcome their isolation. Methods like counselling and meditation can be utilized for this purpose.
What to avoid
People interacting with survival guilt-affected persons should avoid making the latter feel they are a burden. Make these people realize that life is not a burden but something to be enjoyed. With this message, make them feel wanted.
Don’t isolate them
Never leave people with survival guilt alone. In order to prevent undesirable thoughts, ask them to get engaged in some fun activities or sports. Gardening and painting are other hobbies that these people can enjoy doing.
Don’t be too late
Always remember that it is the responsibility of relatives and friends to help people suffering from survival guilt overcome the condition. If that doesn't happen you may even lose such people.
