As a cancer survivor, you may be troubled by survivor’s guilt.
Survivor’s guilt represents the notion that you survived, while your peer did not, making you perhaps feel that you could (or should) have tried harder to save the other person. This leads to wondering about your purpose. Why was I spared? Is there something more for me to do with my life? Do I deserve more time? These thoughts may lead to feeling guilty that you aren’t using the extra time given as intensely, meaningfully, or purposefully as you could.
You may also feel guilty that you were a burden for your loved ones, holding them back from living their lives. These are all classic examples of survivor’s guilt, and there are probably many more unique reasons than these that we can find to feel guilty.
Some survivors may experience guilt more deeply than others, or it may linger longer for some. People experience guilt for different reasons and there many different ways to look at guilt to help you understand how you’re feeling:
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Who Do You Feel Guilty About?
Sometimes you may know the answer. For example, you may think about a cancer patient who had your same tumor type and who you connected with at the treatment center. Or someone you met waiting for a doctor’s appointment. Or a loved one who put their own life on hold to support you. Sometimes you may not feel guilty toward anyone in particular (yet).
What Do You Feel Guilty About?
Your guilt may reflect something you did but didn’t want to do or something you didn’t do but wish you had. Sometimes you may feel guilty that you’re doing better or worse than someone else.
How to Cope With Survivor’s Guilt
Guilty thoughts and feelings are a normal part of the journey and cannot be easily erased. But you must try to make them manageable and tolerable to keep them from becoming all-consuming and killing your joy.
Guilt can be expressed in many ways, including self-destruction (e.g. drugs, alcohol, nicotine, performing poorly at work, relationship problems) or overcompensation (e.g. showering someone with gifts). Guilt can also coexist with anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress.
Acknowledging both the thoughts of your brain and feelings of your heart rather than repressing them will allow you to channel your energy into a force of growth rather than destruction. It will allow you to take steps toward changing your perspective into a more realistic one. Some tips on how to cope with your guilt include:
- Recognize that feeling guilty will not bring someone back to life or undo an action or inaction.
- Remember that it is easy to realize after the fact what you could or should have done.
- Let your relationships provide the love and support you need when things are good and bad. Work with your loved ones in synergy; catch each other when you fall.
Having honest conversations with your loved one(s) may allow you to share and take ownership in your life decisions. And of course, the passing of time can also be healing, allowing you to grieve what or who has been lost.
If the guilt causes serious issues, you should discuss your feelings and actions with a professional, especially if talking to your loved ones about your pain perpetuates guilty feelings. Our comprehensive network of resources are available to help you cope, including the LiveWell Survivorship Program and mental health and emotional support.
Everyone needs to find their own way toward making peace with guilt. Embracing the extra time you have been given after your cancer diagnosis is the best way to honor those you may feel guilty toward. And, please remember that you are only human and you are enough.
For more information, call the LiveWell Survivorship Program at 412-623-3425, or visit us online.
Sources
Adorno, G., et al. Positive aspects of having had cancer: A mixed-methods analysis of responses from the American Cancer Society Study of Cancer Survivors-II (SCS-II). Psychooncology. Link
APA Dictionary of Psychology. Survivor Guilt. American Psychological Association. Link
Glaser, S., et al. Survivor guilt in cancer survivorship. Social Work in Health Care. Link
Gudenkauf, Lisa M., et al. Spirituality and Emotional Distress Among Lung Cancer Survivors. Clinical Lung Cancer. Link
Office Of Cancer Survivorship. Statistics, Graphs and Definitions. National Cancer Institute. Link
Perloff, T., et al. Survivor guilt: The secret burden of lung cancer survivorship. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology. Link
Yeung, Jerf W.K., et al. Volunteering and health benefits in general adults: cumulative effects and forms. BMC Public Health. Link
About UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
When you are facing cancer, you need the best care possible. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care, from diagnosis to treatment, to help you in your cancer battle. We are the only comprehensive cancer center in our region, as designated by the National Cancer Institute. We have more than 70 locations throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York, with more than 200 oncologists – making it easier for you to find world-class care close to home. Our internationally renowned research team is striving to find new advances in prevention, detection, and treatment. Most of all, we are here for you. Our patient-first approach aims to provide you and your loved ones the care and support you need. To find a provider near you, visit our website.