Survivor guilt in the wake of tragedy

Many whose houses survived the fires that ravaged the Knysna areas have been commenting on how they are consumed by “survivor guilt”.

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, it is classified as a symptom of posttraumatic stress.

According to the publication, it is a particular type of guilt that may develop in people who have survived a life-threatening situation. Individuals who believe it is unfair that they survived when others died and/or believe they did not do enough to save the lives of others may come to experience survivor guilt after trauma or a catastrophic event.

THE SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of survivor guilt include nightmares, difficulty sleeping, flashbacks to the traumatic event, loss of motivation, irritability, a sense of numbness, and thoughts about the meaning of life. Individuals who experience survivor guilt may wonder why they lived when other people died, why they got lucky when others did not, whether they could or should have done anything more to prevent the death of others, and whether others suffered during the event.

Although survivor guilt can have a lasting and significant impact on mental and emotional wellbeing if unaddressed, it may also serve an adaptive function. Those who survive may transform their feelings of guilt into a sense of increased meaning and purpose. They may also use survivor guilt as a way to cope with the feelings of helplessness and powerlessness that can occur in traumatic situations. For some, survivor guilt may also represent a connection to those who died, as feelings of guilt may keep the memories of the deceased alive, at least for a time.

LARGE-SCALE TRAGEDIES

Survivor guilt can develop following a smallscale event (such as a car accident in which only some people died or when a loved one dies by suicide) or larger-scale tragedies (such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks or mass shootings, earthquakes and other natural disasters). Many of those who survived the Holocaust were found to have experienced significant feelings of guilt, especially those whose children were killed by the Nazis, as many believed they had failed to save their children.

People who are the lone survivors of a traumatic event may have a particularly difficult time coping with feelings of guilt, since no other individual can relate to the experience they survived.

DOES EVERYONE FEEL IT?

Not everyone who witnesses or experiences a traumatic event will develop the intense feelings of guilt associated with survivor guilt. Certain factors, such as a history of trauma, the presence of depression or another mood-related condition can be a contributing factor.

HOW TO COPE

Although feelings of guilt associated with surviving a life-threatening event can be painful and difficult to overcome, it is possible to address and cope with such feelings. It may be helpful to first acknowledge those feelings and recognise that they are both common and a natural part of the process of healing from grief.

A self-care routine is also considered to be an important part of emotional healing. Self care typically involves regular physical movement, soothing or relaxing activities, a nutritious diet, and plenty of rest.

Support is also a crucial component. Speaking with others who shared the experience; attending a support group; or seeking help from a trusted mentor, adviser, or spiritual counsellor can help an individual feel understood. Some may also find it helpful to find a way to memorialise or honour the deceased.

When survivor guilt is so severe that it impacts a person’s ability to function in daily life, the support of a therapist or counsellor may be recommended. A therapist can help individuals manage and process painful emotions and challenging distorted patterns of thinking that may contribute to guilt. – www.goodtherapy.org