E979 The Guilt of Surviving: Unspoken Remorse in the Badge | Tactical Living Podcast

Why them and not me? It’s a question that haunts many first responders after tragic calls. In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton open up the conversation around survivor’s remorse (Amazon Affiliate)—the silent guilt that creeps in when you walk away from something others didn’t.


🔎 Episode Overview:
First responders are trained to move on quickly, stay sharp, and carry on. But when someone else doesn’t make it—whether it's a partner, a civilian, or even a stranger—it leaves a mark. That invisible weight of survival is often masked by silence, buried beneath duty, and misunderstood even by those closest to you.


This episode explores the emotional aftermath of surviving, how guilt can twist into shame, and what healing actually looks like when you're carrying more than just the memory of the moment.


🧠 5 Signs You Might Be Carrying Survivor’s Guilt


You Replay the Incident Over and Over Again
Example: You obsess about what you could’ve done differently—even when everyone says you did everything right.
Impact: Fuels self-blame and emotional exhaustion.


You Avoid Talking About the Call or Event Altogether
Example: You go silent or shut down whenever the incident is brought up.
Impact: Creates internal buildup of grief with no release.


You Struggle to Celebrate Life Events or Promotions
Example: You feel like you didn’t “earn” your milestones because someone else didn’t make it.
Impact: Undermines self-worth and breeds quiet resentment.


You Push Down Emotion to “Stay Strong” for Others
Example: You carry everyone else's pain but ignore your own.
Impact: Delays healing and increases emotional suppression.


You Feel a Persistent Sense of Unearned Luck
Example: You were supposed to be there—or were—and still survived.
Impact: Creates a disconnect between logic and lingering guilt.


🛠️ 5 Ways to Work Through the Guilt of Survival


Name What You’re Feeling Without Judgment
Guilt, sadness, confusion, even anger—labeling emotion is the first step to releasing it.


Tell the Story to Someone Who Can Hold It
Whether it’s a peer, therapist, or mentor—don’t carry it alone.


Honor the Person or People Lost in a Way That Heals
Create a ritual, a tribute, or an act of service in their memory.


Separate Responsibility From Outcome
You can do everything right and still lose someone. Survival doesn’t mean failure.


Give Yourself Permission to Keep Living Fully
You didn’t survive to suffer—you survived to live, love, and serve with even deeper purpose.


🎯 Why This Episode Matters
Survivor’s remorse is rarely talked about—but it’s painfully real. The guilt of surviving doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human. And when that guilt is unpacked with compassion, it can lead to profound strength and transformation.


🎙️ Listen now to learn how to acknowledge survivor’s guilt, honor what you’ve been through, and give yourself permission to move forward without forgetting.

 

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💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community:
🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free

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✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families
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🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more

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💬 Listener Question:
What’s one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram!

 

Disclaimer:
All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education.

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(Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust.

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