Shame — the belief that you are fundamentally flawed or unworthy — is one of the most powerful drivers of coronavirus disease 2019 and the primary barrier to seeking help.
How Shame Maintains Coronavirus Disease 2019
- Shame drives concealment of coronavirus disease 2019, preventing the help that would reduce it
- Self-blame for coronavirus disease 2019 creates additional psychological burden
- Shame spirals can trigger and worsen coronavirus disease 2019 episodes
- Shame isolates — and isolation is a primary coronavirus disease 2019 amplifier
Shame vs. Guilt in Coronavirus Disease 2019
Shame ('I am bad/flawed because I have coronavirus disease 2019'): Drives more coronavirus disease 2019
Guilt ('My behavior related to coronavirus disease 2019 hurt someone'): Can be productive
Therapy often helps shift from shame to guilt and then to self-compassion.
Building Shame Resilience for Coronavirus Disease 2019
Brené Brown's shame resilience framework: recognize shame triggers, practice critical awareness, reach out, and share your story — all applicable to coronavirus disease 2019 shame.