Shame, Guilt & Fear

There are a myriad of emotions that occur when navigating neurodiversity and it is important to recognise them. In my early years on the journey I lived under a giant cloud of shame, condemnation, guilt and fear. I struggled mentally and ended up hitting rock bottom.

I remember walking my dog one morning and asking God to take the weight off me of all those feelings. I instantly felt lighter like something had been released from my life. From then on I decided it was time to stop letting these emotions rule my life. I started a focused and disciplined journey of ‘being transformed by the renewing of my mind’.

I began to develop strategies to keep ‘short accounts’ with these emotions. I began to read the Word and allow it to transform me. I began to realise that these emotions of shame, guilt, condemnation and fear are not of God therefore do not belong. This did not mean that they aren’t real or don’t exist, but it did mean that when I was faced with them I had to start choosing a different way of dealing with them.

When I would yell or lose my temper with my child I would go and apologise to them.

When I would feel anxious about something that I had to take my child to I would remind myself that ‘God has not given me a spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind.’

When I would feel guilty for not doing something or being somewhere or doing more I would ask God if there was something He would like to tell me about my guilt and whether there was something I needed to change.

When I would feel condemned I would remind myself that the Holy Spirit doesn’t condemn and ask Him to help me with my feelings.

PRAYER

Lord thank you that we can bring everything to you. I pray right now that you would help those experiencing shame, guilt, fear or condemnation to feel your peace, love and hope for their lives. That you would help them to know your view of every situation they face.

Amy Jorgensen