Synonyms for the phrase "bad conscience" include "guilty conscience," "remorse," "regret," "shame," and "self-reproach." A bad conscience can weigh heavily on a person's mind and can manifest as physical symptoms like anxiety and stress. It can occur when someone feels they have done something wrong or failed to do the right thing. Having a bad conscience can make it difficult to move forward and enjoy present experiences because the past actions keep coming back to haunt the person. It is important to acknowledge and accept responsibility for past mistakes, but also to learn from them and move forward with a positive mindset.