Guilt and Regret
January 20, 2007 "I wish I had not said that to him." "If only I had made her go to the doctor sooner." "I could have been nicer and more patient with him." "Why didn't I tell her I loved her more often."
Perhaps you have had these or similar thoughts. After our loved one dies, we may find ourselves rethinking things we said or did not say. We may become frustrated and possibly feel guilty for what we did or did not do while they were alive. We can get entangled in "I should haves," "I could haves," and "if onlys."
Are we judging ourselves too harshly and unrealistically? Human beings are not perfect. No matter how hard we've tried, things may occur to us after the death that we wish we could go back and change.
It is important to understand the differences between guilt and regret. We feel guilty if we intended to hurt or harm someone. We feel regret if we did something we wish we could change, but we did not mean to harm or hurt our loved one.
Our guilt or regret can teach us to do better now and in the future. It can make us more positive and caring people. There are some things we can do to make amends and to make us feel better about what has happened:
- Write a letter-to the-person who died to say-the-things that you need to say to them or to apologize.
- Tell those who are still alive that you love them and care about them. Say "I'm sorry" when you need to.
- Forgive yourself. Tell yourself over and over that you did the best you could at that time and under those circumstances. It is likely the person who died would forgive you for your unintentional mistakes and shortcomings. Say it as often as you need to.
- Forgive the person who died. Our loved ones were not perfect either. Forgiving them allows you to find peace.
- Do kind things for others in your loved one's name.
With time our guilt and regrets fade. Our burden lightens and we are able to put our feelings in perspective.
~ Reflections, Issue 2 2007, Publication of The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care