Guilt and shame

How do you guys manage guilt? I did something weird that doesn’t align with my values during an ocd spiral this year. My friends and family forgave me and weren’t even mad about it saying it wasn’t a big deal but I feel sick to my stomach with guilt and can’t let it go. I constantly stress out if I’m a good person or not. I guess my question is how do you guys deal with mistakes or times when yr ocd obsessions weren’t aligned with your core values

Cher54

Date posted: 14h

I have put things on here about my guilt and regret several times and it’s a good question. The easy answer is you just give it to God and let it go. He died for our sins and that means all of them. However, the hard part is doing it. Somehow we have to learn to just let it go.

simpson578

Date posted: 10h

@Cher54 Does getting in touch with your faith help yr ocd? I grew up very irish catholic but I lost my way a bit due to distractions from work n just life lol n am trying to get back into my faith through going to church

Cher54

Date posted: 9h

@simpson578 My background is Southern Baptist and yes, it does help. My problem though is being consistent. I try to figure things out and analyze things which we all know is part of OCD. I’m really a mess inside but I can act like I’m OK on the outside. This has been going on for a long time and I just feel down even while I’m texting this out. I’m older I’m sure than most people that’s on this forum and I’m constantly worried about all of my past decisions and choices that I have or haven’t made, things that really, really bother me. I’m considering going to counseling again. I’m just not sure about this ERP stuff. I don’t want to purposely think about something that brings me guilt and then get upset all over again and then just sit with it till it goes away. I don’t even know if I agree with that type of technique. I have cried until I can’t believe I have any tears left so I don’t want to do that purposely. I have done it so much I don’t want to put myself through that. It seems to me like there has to be a different way. I know people on here though talk about how great it is and if it works for them then that’s wonderful. I just don’t think that technique would work for me. I will pray for you and you can pray for me. I know I’m His child and He is our only hope in this world.

torylynn84

Date posted: 7h

I really appreciate and relate to this question. I had a situation this year where I let my OCD drive a decision to talk to a friend about some issues that I wish I would have just let go. Even though I tried my best, it ended our relationship. It’s hard not to wish to go back and do it differently. It’s a real struggle some days where my thoughts return to this situation over and over. I’m trying to remember that no matter what, what’s done is done. I’m trying to be better about recognizing when OCD is in control, not my authentic self. And without this situation I wouldn’t be getting the support I need. I’m not one to say that everything happens for a reason, but so often good can come from undesirable situation. Good luck. Rooting for you.

Kevin V

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 4h

You can accept yourself regardless of if you are a good person or not. Unconditional acceptance means that you can accept yourself, even if you have done bad things that you regret. Don't be concerned with being a "good person". That will not help you overcome OCD. Be willing to accept yourself for who you are, without judgement.

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