Why Do We Feel Guilty? (The Invisible Debt We Owe Others)

What Psychoanalysis Tells Us:

1. Guilt Comes from Inside Us Psychoanalysis says we carry inside us the voice of our parents and society, called the Superego. This voice tells us what’s right and wrong. When we don’t follow these rules, we feel guilty.

2. Guilt Is Like a Debt. But Not Just Money

When we say we “owe” someone, it doesn’t always mean money. It means we feel responsible for something: like respect, time, love, or care. For example:

• Feeling like you “owe” your parents because they took care of you as a child.

• Feeling you “owe” a friend an apology after hurting their feelings.

• Feeling like you “owe” society to follow certain rules or behave in a certain way.

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This “owing” creates an invisible debt, a feeling that we have to make things right.

3. We Want to Be Accepted

We feel guilty because we want to be loved and accepted by others. When we think we’ve failed, that feeling of “owing” grows.

4. Schuld: Debt and Guilt as One

In German, the same word Schuld means both “debt” and “guilt.” This shows how closely connected these feelings are, guilt often feels like an unpayable debt we carry inside, toward other people or society.

5. Guilt Can Also Be Used to Manipulate

Sometimes, people use guilt to control or pressure others. Making someone feel guilty on purpose can push them to act in a way they might not want to. Recognizing this helps us protect ourselves.

#Neuroscience #Psychology #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Guilt