First Psychology blog

What is remorse? Remorse is a complex and powerful emotion often experienced when we regret or feel guilt over past actions or decisions. The impact of remorse on mental wellbeing can be significant, affecting various aspects of our life including our emotional state, relationships, and overall quality of life. A research journal published by the American Psychological Association suggests that “action-related regrets, although painful, spur people to learn from their mistakes and move on. But regret related to the inaction path – the things undone, the opportunities lost – is harder to fix. This kind of regret is more likely to lead to depression, anxiety, a sense of ‘stuckness’ and a feeling of longing over not knowing what could have been .” The effects of remorse Negative thoughts and emotions One of the primary ways in which remorse impacts our mental wellbeing is through its effects on emotional health. Feelings of guilt and regret can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety...

How many times have you second guessed someone’s intentions only to find that you were way off the mark? This is something many of us do on a regular basis without considering the consequences beforehand. Usually when we’re second guessing, it’s because we’re not aware of all the facts – and the negative chatter in our heads instantly assumes the worst. For example, a work colleague may have told you that she liked what you were wearing. To most people, this would be taken as a compliment, but you might think they were being sarcastic and making fun of you. Not only can this cause an unnecessary argument with the person if you were to verbalise your suspicion, but if you didn’t express your thoughts, negative feelings such as hurt or anger could start to affect your mental wellbeing over time. One of the main problems with thinking negative thoughts is that we don’t question them. When these kinds of thoughts go unresolved, it can affect our mood and lead to issues such as anxiety an...