Guilt, Why do so many of us feel this? Options

[Daisy's Mommy]

After losing my Daisy on April 1, 2006, I luckily found this group. Reading and posting has helped me so much, but I keep wondering about one thing. I have read countless posts of people expressing their guilt regarding the end of their pet's life. And I felt terrible guilt myself.

I wonder why all these people, who obviously took wonderful care of their pets and made that loving decision at the end to let their pets leave without suffering, felt guilty.

Then I realized, that for me perhaps - it was less painful in a way to focus on my guilt, to replay each decision in my mind - then to face the reality that I could do nothing for someone I loved so much and that she is really gone. The what if's and the guilt serve to keep the more painful thoughts out of my mind.

Does anyone have any thoughts about this?

Daisy's Mommy

[BooBoo's Mom]

Emotions are such complicated things. It's so hard to understand them or control them. I think we all react differently because of different upbringings and childhood experiences, etc, although it seems that the grieving process is very much the same for everyone!! Some will feel more guilt than others. I have read that "people pleasers" have a hard time with guilt because they feel responsible for everyone's feelings and happiness. People who had an alcoholic parent will often struggle with guilty feelings. You might search on the Internet for "causes of guilty feelings" and you might get some answers from Professionals.