Understanding the Relationship Between Survivor’s Guilt and PTSD

Just as it sounds, the phenomenon of survivor’s guilt can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a life-threatening and traumatic situation that has taken the lives of others, but not their own. While our brains are primed for survival, those who get through such events alive may find themselves asking, “Why not me? Why wasn’t I taken too?” The gift of surviving can become emotionally torturous for some.   “Why not me? Why wasn’t I taken too?” The gift of surviving a traumatic event can become emotionally torturous for some. It’s called survivor’s guilt.

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There are many heart-wrenching examples of how this can happen, including:

• Veterans of war who witnessed the deaths of their fellow soldiers
• First responders—like firefighters—having teammates perish in a fire they were fighting together
• Losing family and friends during hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters
• Acts of terrorism, such as the attacks of 9/11
• Parents whose children died, or family members who lose siblings to hereditary illnesses or suicide
• Losing a loved one, friend, or colleague in a pandemic

The Link to PTSD

These are the same types of events that can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, survivor’s guilt is often considered a serious symptom of PTSD. While not everyone who endures a traumatic event will develop PTSD, some research estimates that as many as 90% of people who lived through events where others died experience feelings of guilt. They may question their own survival and feel a sense of responsibility for what happened:

• Why did my buddy get killed, but not me?
• Why did I run away from it?
• Why didn’t I do more to save others?
• What could I have done to prevent this tragedy?

Other Symptoms to Look For

From the outside, it may be easy to think that a person is fortunate to have survived such a tragic event—and they are. However, on the inside, those with survivor’s guilt often have terrible remorse about what happened and may have a very difficult time coping with and processing the loss they survived. They are also likely to experience other symptoms of PTSD, such as:

• Increased irritability and anger
• Depression
• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Hypervigilance and being easily startled
• Obsessive thoughts about the event
• Difficulty with concentration and focus
• Problems with sleep
• Feeling detached from reality or estranged from others
• Social isolation
• Avoiding anything (including people) that is a reminder of the traumatic event
• Physical complaints like headaches and gastrointestinal distress
• Self-destructive behaviors, including substance abuse
• Thoughts of suicide

Survivor’s guilt is very distressing, and some people may be more vulnerable to developing it because of their personal and developmental history. For example, those who suffered abuse during childhood may be especially triggered because the new traumatic event brings old ones to the surface again. Also, people who have mental health problems like anxiety and depression (or a family history of psychiatric disorders), or have substance use disorder may be at greater risk as well.

There is Hope for Healing!

Humans are remarkably resilient, and many people will recover from PTSD and survivor’s guilt within a year or so—even without treatment. However, research indicates nearly 30% of those suffering from PTSD will not recover quickly. They may become overwhelmed by their symptoms and have difficulty functioning because of what happened. If you or someone you know is dealing with the anguish of survivor’s guilt and PTSD, it’s important to know that it is possible to heal so life can feel enjoyable again. It’s also critical to understand it was not your fault that others perished in a catastrophic event. Getting professional help can make all the difference in the world for you. Symptoms of PTSD and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.