"Overwhelming guilt" refers to a strong feeling of remorse or shame that is so intense and burdensome that it is difficult to bear or manage. Full definition
On one level he feels overwhelming guilt feelings about his harming of them; on another level (often unconscious) his drinking may be a way of expressing hostility and resentment toward them. (religion-online.org)
And, inevitably this can induce an influx of other emotions including overwhelming guilt, leading to suffering on their part too. (elitesingles.co.nz)
This delight leads to tragedy (see: the predictable holiday on the beach scene, where Annie cavorts without properly warm clothing, apparently leading to her illness, a scene that is collapsed into parents» feelings of overwhelming guilt), a logic that is profoundly emotional, and hard to reconcile with religious faith (Innes offers up the explanation that «God works in mysterious ways»). (popmatters.com)