Consumed with guilt for no reason

[Silindile]

I recently have felt comsumed with guilt for no reason whatsoever. Just because. Every time I see a homeless person, or someone less fortunate or whatvever. I dont know what to do. I am hardly rich. any advice??

[naomi24]

I know the feeling well, but there are always going to be people better or worse off than you, and the unfortunate truth is that no one can cure the ills of this world alone. Why don't you offer your services voluntarily to a homeless charity and work with them in your spare time? At least then you'd be doing something positive to help.

[campbellking]

Give time to others, or if you're fortunate enough to be in good health, pop down to your local blood donor's centre and give a unit of the red stuff.
You don't have to be rich to make a contribution to society.

[MakYak]

I know what you mean. Have you ever considered that there is far more to social problems than just lack of money? Beggars and addicts might be th result of abuse or mental illness or it could be the result of some bad choices, whatever it is, throwing a coin or patting their dog won't fix it. Look into contributing small but regular amounts of money to an approriate charity. Read up on why these social hardships exist and start understanding that while you can help...you can't fix everybody. Also, why are you so guilty? Don't you feel you deserve the good life you now have? Is that the basis of your guilt? Everyone has lessons to learn, what's yours?

[juleejules]

You don't have to contribute money to be helpful, what about some voluntary work - I've very little money but volunteer to cook breakfasts/suppers for the homeless a couple of times a week.

[babybombo]

I think you just have a good conscience =)

Everyones advice about volunteer work is such a great idea.
Doing something like that will give you a sense of purpose and leave you feeling like you've really made a difference.

All the best x

[juleejules]

couldn't agree more babybombo

[Silindile]

Thanks guys.
All your advice has been really helpful.

I've been looking into volunteer work with Crisis, the homeless shelter. It looks like they have a lot of vacancies going at times around my 9-5 which is very handy.

Its not that I feel like I dont deserve what I have MakYak. I sometimes just feel like I could be using my good fortune for something else. Like I said I'm not rich, I am your typical working class person with a 9-5 and a house in London.
But that is still more than what a lot of people have and it makes me sick to my stomach to think people are suffering. I just need to help where I can I guess. I know I cant save the world. But I will try and do my bit. :)

[naomi24]

No, you can't save the world. As I said, no one can cure the ills of this world alone - but everyone can do something to help, so good for you Sil - go for it - and please come back and let us know how you get on, won't you? Good luck.

[babybombo]

Sounds like a good plan, working with crisis.
Thats the great thing about volunteering, there are places that need you any time of day and all week so they'res always time somehow to fit it in.

Its great that you are thinking about how you can help others like this, I know alot of people with 9-5 jobs who say that they dont have the time to do volunteering, or that its too much along with their job. Even as little as an hour twice a week makes a difference.

Let us know if you get a place and how you get on.

x

[MakYak]

Good luck with the voluntary work in crisis Silindile. We could all take a leaf out of your book.