IT4Life: Guilt on the home front — how to recognize and overcome it
IT ClusterGuilt in the rear is an emotional response experienced by people living in safer conditions during wartime, especially when compared to those on the front lines or under occupation. It’s a deep internal belief that one is “not suffering enough,” “not doing enough,” or “living too peacefully” while others are sacrificing their lives.
📌 This phenomenon is known as survivor’s guilt, a recognized psychological condition that resonates strongly in today’s Ukrainian reality.
Why do we feel guilty while being relatively safe?
During a full-scale war, when the news is filled with reports from the front line and social media overflows with pain, Ukrainians living in rear cities or those who have gone abroad often face:
- a sense of injustice: “why am I here and not there?”
- idealization of heroism: feelings of inadequacy for living a life that doesn’t seem “heroic enough.”
- social pressure: public judgment or self-blame for a relatively peaceful life.
- constant self-comparison with others.
- the belief that their efforts are insufficient: “I’m not donating enough,” “my help doesn’t matter.”
🧠 The psyche tries to restore balance, but instead, it can fall into a trap of emotional burnout.
Key signs to recognize:
- Anxiety, apathy, a sense of helplessness
- Self-blame without objective reasons
- Isolation, avoidance of joy or entertainment
- Internal shame for feeling peace or happiness
How to overcome guilt in the rear?
1. Accept the fact: you are not to blame
Being in a safer place does not make you indifferent or less valuable to your country. The home front plays a critically important role — supporting the economy, strengthening the information front, and maintaining national emotional resilience. Realizing this helps to stop diminishing yourself and channel your energy into meaningful action.
2. Focus on real contributions
Your actions in the rear matter. Every contribution — from volunteering to supporting loved ones — is part of the collective resistance. This is not a competition in heroism, but a shared struggle where both frontline and rear roles are essential. Focus on what you can do today — and do it with dignity.
3. Maintain emotional balance
You can’t help others if you’re emotionally burned out. Psychological resilience, the ability to act under pressure, and to support others — all require you to be in a resourceful state. Caring for yourself strengthens both you and those around you. This is not a sign of weakness — it’s the responsible stance of someone who understands the situation and its long-term consequences.
4. Be mindful of social media
Social networks can trigger guilt, shame, or helplessness. But remember: what you see is just a fragment of the whole picture. Everyone lives in different circumstances and acts within their means. The key is not to compare but to empathize, not to compete but to support. Set healthy boundaries with the media — this is crucial for maintaining your effectiveness and emotional stability.
What can you do right now?
✅ Find a sustainable way to help
✅ Set personal boundaries: helping ≠ self-sacrifice
✅ Allow yourself rest and joy
✅ Talk to loved ones or seek professional support
Your psychological resilience is a strategic resource
Guilt in the rear is a natural reaction. But your inner resource is vital. The rear provides the foundation for those on the front lines to lean on. Don’t ignore your emotions — transform them into strength.
We are not competing in suffering — we are united in a common fight.
