I need to start by saying this isn't the kind of self-compassion post where I tell you to go have a bath and light a candle. Being told to "look after yourself" when you're grossly unsupported can feel like gaslightin...

I would sob in isolation, convinced I didn’t know how to raise my children correctly because I was looking for the ‘right’ (safest, socially acceptable) answer.

I would criticize myself, reject myself, blame myself for ...