Why Didn't It Happen to Me?

PositionSURVIVOR'S GUILT

"Survivor's guilt and PTSD are a dreadful combination because survivors obsess over the question that can never be answered: 'Why didn't it happen to me?' Often, survivors could not save a friend, parent, or coworker, which makes the feelings of guilt unbearable. Ironically, they may feel they have done something wrong by surviving," says psychotherapist Edy Nathan, author of It's Grief: The Dance of Self-Discovery Through Trauma and Loss.

"While they are often able to hide their feelings from others, one suicide can give permission for another person to take [his or her] life. We often see suicides happen in multiples.

"Guilt plays a huge role in this syndrome. Self-guilt for surviving and not knowing what to do with the life they have creates a crushing feeling of emotional anguish. Also, if they were part of the media splash at the beginning and now the media has moved...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT