If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, PLEASE call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Shame is one of the most painful and debilitating emotions we can feel, and it can be a huge factor in our addictions, depression and other mental health issues. How can we heal from shame and forgive ourselves?
Many of us have allowed our shame to take over our lives so much that it has become a part of our identity, our sense of self, how we view ourselves. It can dominate our thinking, overwhelm us and cause us intense anxiety and panic. We can feel so sad and desperate in our shame that we consider suicide because staying alive with our shame feels unbearable. We feel it’s impossible to forgive ourselves. We don’t feel we deserve forgiveness from ourselves or from others. We judge ourselves harshly, we refuse to let go of our mistakes, and we hold onto the painful memories of our regrets. Continuing with these thought patterns not only holds us back, it chips away at our self-esteem and derails our mental and emotional wellbeing.
We must make the conscious choice to forgive ourselves and release our shame. For many of us, we have been stuck in our thought patterns for years without being conscious of them. Notice how your thoughts work. When do your shameful thoughts arise? What triggers you? What is your self-talk telling you? As you become more conscious of your thought patterns, you can create new ones to replace them.
Let’s choose affirmations that uplift and empower us. In order to heal we must make the conscious choice to start lifting ourselves up and empowering ourselves with our own inner dialogue. “I choose to forgive myself. I deserve forgiveness. I deserve unconditional love. I am healing. I am a good person worthy of my compassion. I love myself unconditionally.”
Energetically let’s try visualizing our shame as a heavy cloud that has been weighing us down. Imagine it being released from your mind, heart, body and soul. Visualize your inner healing power as a beacon of light, hope and strength that is gently removing this cloud from your being. You no longer need it. It doesn’t serve you. You deserve better. You deserve self-love. Let your forgiveness be a gift you give to yourself in your recovery.
Healing is a lifelong journey, and we’re here to support you along the way.
Call (800) 871-5440.