Very true, forgiveness only helps us. I've just started reading "Forgiveness is a Choice" by Robert D. Enright, he also points out that fact. The beginning of the book is quite promising, so maybe have a look? I hope it has some good advice about letting go of resentment, I'm not that far in the book yet.

I think it's perhaps easier to forgive those close to us who are repentant and show regret, than those who couldn't care less and go on with their lives like nothing happened. Please don't beat yourself up for being vulnerable and trusting - you certainly were not stupid! If I remember the time when I was really in a bad situation - if somebody told me to go bungee jumping to snap out of my psychotic mania, believe me I would have done it. It's not about being a fool or stupid, like you said you were holding on for dear life and couldn't know better.

I hope you find the strength to forgive, most of all yourself (though you did absolutely nothing wrong in this situation, you were only trying to help yourself!) If you want to talk about this, feel free to pm me. Like I said, forgiveness is something I struggle with as well. Good luck!