Guilt issues & anxiety?
Question:
So the counselor today said she has guilt issues and anxiety. She wants to meet with her again to see if they can figure out where the guilt issues stem from. She has a very good and stable home life and has never given us an ounce of trouble. She hasn't experienced any type of personal trauma or loss and has never been guilted or shamed by us. What could cause guilt?
Answers:
There are many things that could cause guilt. I have struggled with this myself throughout the years (I am 19, by the way). Sometimes, guilt stems from the anxiety. Anxiety can cause a person to become obsessive. If she is trying very hard to be perfect, then "slipping up" could cause guilt. Also, she is 18, which means she is probably figuring out what to do with her life, or might be about ready to leave for college. I had that crisis last year at this time, and I was also very anxious. If this is the case, I would just try to be encouraging and help her to build self-confidence.
Many times, I have had to switch medications because my body would build up a tolerance for them and they would no longer be beneficial.
You did the best thing you possibly could by taking her to see a counselor. For now, I would just suggest that you be patient with her. If she wants to talk, listen. If she doesn't want to talk, don't push the issue. I hope this helps; best of luck to you and your daughter!
I have a lot of guilt about how I treated my two sisters while experiencing mental psychotic episodes and they having to take a back seat for my parents care and providing for me. They tell me that is nonsense but they left home for college ASAP after high school and caused my Mom and Dad great grief until they did. What is wrong with this picture? Honestly? Who knows. Until recently no one knew I had GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and then they are treating me for that. I know exactly how your daughter feels. Is it possible she could volunteer someone a day or two part-time per week until she gets her feet wet? Or maybe financially it's not? Anyway that feeling is awful. The anxiety and not being able to do the right thing and work like everyone else does. What kind of therapist is this counselor? I think your daughter may feel more comfortable with a mental health counselor.
Reading about Cymbalta just now, one of the serious side effects is anxiety disorders. I would suggest that her doctor look into switching her medication first of all. There are many other choices out there.
As far as "guilty" ... Who really knows? This could be a personal guilt that would seem small to someone else (ie; my dog wouldn't have been hit by that car if I hadn't taken him off the leash) but large to her in her subconsious mind? OR it could be something YOU may not be aware of that your daughter never chose to disclose to you.
**The hardest thing to realize, as a very AWARE parent myself is that we still don't know everything...
OR it could be that this "counselor" is simply a WACK...
If your daughter feels as though this counselor isn't on the right track and isn't helpful, there is absolutely nothing wrong with moving on to the next... Just because someone has a degree, we ASSUME that they are all knowing and are capable...but that's not always the truth, unfortuneately.
Have you asked your daughter? If you ask her, be prepared to listen without judgement so she'll want to talk with you.
Regardless, know that you have many options to discuss and offer your daughter...
Good Luck to you all. :o)
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