This is one of the most powerful yet under-discussed obstacles to seeking help, practicing self-care, and so on.
“Internalized” stigma causes sufferers to see themselves as undeserving of care.
I recently attended a Mental Health Month event, and one of the speakers mentioned not feeling like they deserved help, which resonated with many people on the call. It’s the ultimate lie that depression tells us. We somehow deserve where we are, and we don’t deserve to receive help or make decisions on our behalf.
You don’t need to do anything to deserve getting help. You don’t need anyone else to permit you to act in ways that benefit your mental health. You not only deserve it, you need it. No one can take that away, including your past traumas.