This is something I think about pretty regularly, and I wondered if others think about this, too.

The concept of privilege (and also gratitude) are certainly valid and have their place. I feel privileged in a lot of ways (e.g. I live in a first-world country, I have access to mental and physical health care).

I try to be aware of this, and I know that I have it better than so many people, including many others on this forum who may not have access to mental health care, are struggling with worse mental health issues than I am, are trapped in an unhealthy or unsafe situation, etc.

At the same time, this awareness always brings some level of anxiety...if I am so privileged, what right to I have to get help?, how can my struggles be valid?, etc.

My logical self knows that this is a fallacy. And I know that one can be privileged in many ways while being less privileged in other ways. Even the most extreme pain or suffering does not negate privilege. There will likely always be others worse-off than you or me (and better-off). That doesn't actually MEAN anything about your suffering though.

My general conclusions are that it is good to be aware of what you DO have, but that it is not helpful to use this to "punish" yourself. This is easier said than done, however.

So, what are your thoughts? Can this thought process be helpful? Does it bring more harm than good? How do you balance this way of thinking in everyday life? Do you use this thought to "punish" or "torture" yourself, too? How do you keep from doing that?

Please refrain from responses of the nature "my life is worse than everyone else's and I don't believe I am privileged in any way". I understand that some people feel that way, especially when in great pain, but I'm interested in responses from those who are able to think about this critically.