Understanding and Dealing with Survivor’s Guilt (www.mentalhealthcenter.org)

Photo by K. Mitch Hodge

Losing someone is hard. Whether from natural causes or an accident, outliving someone brings some emotions that seem unbearable. Survivor’s guilt is a psychological phenomenon that many first responders – soldiers, firefighters, police – and even average people may experience after the death of someone near them or after experiencing a traumatic event.

​Although survivor’s guilt can manifest itself differently from one person to the next, it often involves feelings of sadness, shock, and sometimes even a feeling of responsibility. Understanding how survivor’s guilt develops, how to cope with it, and where to seek treatment is essential for overcoming this difficult syndrome.

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