The Other Side Of Potential

Episode 321: Understanding Loss: Navigating Survivor’s Guilt and PTSD

Sharon Spano Episode 321

What if the weight of loss is holding you back from truly living? Today on The Other Side of Potential, we unpack the hidden struggles of survivor’s guilt and PTSD, exploring how unresolved trauma shapes our lives and offering a path toward healing.

In part two of the Understanding Loss series, Dr. Sharon Spano reflects on her own guilt after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, shedding light on the emotional complexities of surviving trauma and the critical need to process loss in healthy ways.

Sharing her experience with delayed PTSD following her son’s passing, Dr. Spano distinguishes survivor’s guilt from post-traumatic stress and explains how symptoms like nightmares, emotional numbness, and avoidance can surface even years later.

With a focus on seeking professional help, utilizing online resources, and connecting with others, this episode is an inspiring guide for anyone looking to transform adversity into opportunities for radical abundance!


What you’ll learn about in this episode:

  • Defining survivor’s guilt through examples from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
  • Dr. Spano’s guilt over evacuating and not being directly involved in recovery efforts.
  • The emotional impact of survivor’s guilt, including self-blame, sadness, and frustration.
  • The vital role of community connection in fostering healing.
  • Viewing trauma and loss as opportunities for personal growth and expansion.
  • Clarifying the distinction between survivor’s guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Dr. Spano’s experience of delayed PTSD after her son Michael’s passing.
  • Recognizing PTSD symptoms and understanding why it’s often called the “silent killer.”
  • Encouragement to seek professional support for unresolved trauma and loss.
  • What to expect from future episodes in the Understanding Loss series.


Transcript: Here

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: sharon@sharonspano.com

X: x.com/SpanoSharon

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/