Survivor's guilt: what is it and how to deal with it?

How to deal with the survivor's guilt?

• "Other people are doing a lot to win, and I am doing the same as before the war." "I'm in a safe place, but I should stay at home, be with others." "I am doing something to win, but it is not enough. We need more." "How can I rest when people are suffering from the bombing?" Have you ever had these or similar thoughts?
• If so, and these thoughts arise repeatedly, you are likely to have survivor's guilt. This is typical for those who were in danger, survived and are now in a safe place, while others failed.

On the one hand, such thoughts demonstrate our high moral qualities, our ability to empathize and care for others. On the other hand, over time, a person may experience apathy, depression, and other negative mental states. That is why we need to work with guilt.

To do this, consider the following

• remember who is really to blame for the war and the deaths of people (you did not start it, you caused the destruction and deaths)
• find a physical support that will help you gain inner strength (there are things we can influence and there are things we cannot, so we should accept the situation and adapt to it to have a footing)
• logically justify your actions (if I don't know how to fight, it's better to trust those who do and can)
• critically examine your thoughts like the ones mentioned above (think about whether such thoughts benefit you and your loved ones, because worrying will make you weak and limit your ability to help yourself and others)
• control your life through short-term (for a day or two) and long-term (what will I do after I win) planning
• Keep in touch with the people who make up your ecological circle of friends
• Ensure a balance between mental costs and resource recovery (follow a normal daily routine as much as possible, rest, allow yourself small pleasures)
• Be active (start with simple everyday activities - cleaning, walking, doing simple sports exercises, etc. - and gradually increase the pace of life)
• feel that you are making a difference (find ways you can help other people; it can even be helpful if you take care of yourself and don't "burden" anyone)

By supporting ourselves in this way, we will have the strength to actively engage in the restoration of our country after the victory. So together to victory!