According to shame researcher Brene Brown, guilt and shame are two very different emotions. The first is adaptive and even helpful, but the second is not a tool for change.

Every human being has felt guilt and shame at some point in their lives. According to professor, author, social worker, and speaker Brene Brown, while guilt is a helpful response to breaking societal rules, shame is an unhelpful response at the root of many forms of broken behaviour–correlated with anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, and more.

While we don’t like to talk about or experience shame, it’s important to acknowledge these feelings openly. This takes great vulnerability and therefore courage. But the benefits of confronting feelings of shame are improved mental health and a stronger sense of self.

In our latest post, we discuss Brene Brown’s suggestions for dealing with shame:

• Remember that vulnerability / being open about our feelings is not weakness. It takes great courage to delve into what causes us shame and to admit that to someone else. 
• Understand the difference between shame and guilt. Guilt says “I did something bad” while shame says “I am bad.”
• Speak up–shame festers in silence.
• Apply empathy (“I feel this, too!”) as the antidote to shame.
• Accept your imperfections (perfection is impossible).
• Dare greatly!

If you think your experience of shame might be impacting on your mental health and sense of self-worth, consider speaking with a trustworthy professional who can help you process this.