### Summary #### Introduction - Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes - Topic: Toxic guilt and shame - signs, causes, and solutions - Goals: Understanding guilt and shame, their causes, effects, and ways to overcome them #### Definitions and Differences - **Guilt**: Anger at oneself for a behavior; feeling you did something wrong. - **Shame**: Feeling that you are inherently bad; about the person, not just behavior. - Importance of separating behavior from self-worth. #### Healthy vs. Toxic Guilt - **Healthy Guilt**:  - Motivates positive change and learning.  - Anger at oneself for a behavior or omission.  - Helps align actions with values. - **Toxic Guilt**:  - Drains energy and erodes self-esteem.  - Leads to ongoing self-anger without productive action.  - Often paired with shame. #### Effects of Toxic Guilt - Continuous stress response activation. - Desperate attempts to prove worth. - Leads to behaviors like fawning or overcompensating. #### Causes of Toxic Guilt - Holding onto “shoulds” imposed by others or oneself. - Feeling responsible for things outside one’s control. - Survivor’s guilt and guilt over others' feelings. - Guilt for not being perfect or successful. - Societal and familial messages about worth and success. #### Solutions and Strategies 1. **Identify the Source**:   - Determine if the guilt stems from internal values or external pressures.   - Evaluate the “shoulds” and decide if they align with personal values. 2. **Healthy Boundaries**:   - Recognize and assert personal beliefs and values.   - Don’t let others dictate what should make you feel guilty. 3. **Cognitive Restructuring**:   - Write down situations causing guilt.   - Distinguish between controllable and uncontrollable aspects.   - Use energy positively to address controllable factors. 4. **Acceptance and Letting Go**:   - Accept that some things are beyond control.   - Reflect on personal growth and changes over time.   - Practice self-compassion for past mistakes. 5. **Self-Care**:   - Prioritize personal well-being to prevent burnout.   - View self-care as a model for others. 6. **Assertiveness**:   - Stand firm in personal beliefs even when others disagree.   - Practice expressing your values respectfully. #### Practical Steps - Write down situations causing guilt. - Identify controllable and uncontrollable aspects. - Take action on what you can control. - Reflect on whether you’ve done all you can. - Accept powerlessness over some outcomes. - Practice forgiveness and self-compassion. - Set and maintain healthy boundaries. - Model self-care and healthy boundaries for others. ### Time Codes for Major Points 00:00 Introduction and overview of toxic guilt and shame 02:15 Differences between guilt and shame 05:00 Healthy guilt vs. toxic guilt 08:45 Effects of toxic guilt on stress and behavior 12:30 Causes of toxic guilt 18:00 Solutions and strategies for overcoming toxic guilt 25:45 Importance of healthy boundaries 30:00 Cognitive restructuring and acceptance 35:00 Practical steps to manage guilt and promote self-care Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices