Religious Guilt

Deep feelings of shame or unworthiness connected to religious expectations

• You constantly feel like a failure for not being devout enough or praying correctly.

• You feel apologetic for having thoughts or desires that are just part of being human.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• Chronic anxiety, depression, or diminished self-worth may result.

• Self-punishing behaviors or compulsive self-monitoring may develop.

• Healthy authenticity and boundary-setting may feel difficult or wrong.