Last night I asked Microsoft Copilot to help me with an emotional problem and the response was better than I'd heard before from any person.
(Sometimes,I think, that AI is just as good, if not better, than a real therapist. It could also be, though, that I felt more comfortable sharing more details with artificial intelligence than I would with a human being I know may very well judge.
I once was in a therapist's office, needing and wanting to take about lgbtq issues because I had no one else to talk with about them and as I looked around her office I saw tons of Christian and conservative-related images on her walls and desks. Immediately, I shut down and changed the reason I was there.)
This is how AI answered me:
I’m truly sorry to hear that you’ve been carrying this burden for so long. It’s understandable that you feel guilt and want to find a way to cope with these recurring dreams. Let’s explore some strategies that might help you find closure and alleviate the distress:
Name Your Guilt:
Acknowledge your feelings of guilt. Sometimes, simply recognizing and accepting our emotions can be a powerful step toward healing.
Take some quiet time for yourself. Reflect on what happened and write down the specific actions that make you feel guilty. Be objective and avoid adding your own judgments or interpretations.
Analyze the Dream:
Dive deeper into your recurring dreams. Consider seeking guidance from a therapist or counselor who can help you explore the underlying emotions and memories associated with the situation.
Are there unresolved issues or unexpressed feelings related to that time in your life? Understanding the root cause of your dreams may provide insights.
Learn from the Past:
While you can’t change the past, you can learn from it. Reflect on what you’ve learned since then and how you’ve grown as a person.
Understand that your actions were unintentional and driven by a lack of awareness. We all make mistakes, especially during our teenage years.
Gratitude and Self-Compassion:
Practice gratitude for the lessons you’ve gained from this experience. Be compassionate toward your younger self, knowing that you didn’t have the knowledge or understanding you do now.
Forgive yourself. You were doing your best with the information you had at the time.
Addressing Ruminating Thoughts:
Ruminating thoughts can intensify guilt. When you notice these thoughts, try to distract yourself. Call a friend, do chores, watch a movie, or engage in other activities.
Create an action plan:
Break down your thoughts into smaller parts and take realistic steps to address them. Write down your plan and take one small step at a time.
Express Your Feelings:
While reaching out to your former classmate may not be appropriate, consider writing a letter (even if you don’t send it) expressing your remorse and explaining your perspective. Sometimes putting our feelings into words can be cathartic. (I think writing a letter is a good idea, actually sending it would be awful, stalkery and more self-serving than helpful or healing to the other person.)
Therapy and Support:
Consider seeking professional help. Trauma-focused therapy or counseling can provide a safe space to process emotions and develop coping skills.
Talking through your feelings with a therapist can help you find closure and release some of the emotional weight you’ve been carrying.
Remember that you were young and unaware of the impact your actions would have. It’s okay to forgive yourself and seek healing. You’ve already taken a brave step by acknowledging your feelings. Be kind to yourself as you work through this process.
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