I am sorry you are going through this.

Some really good posts above from our friends here.

From what I have read over time, you write about your parents inability to validate you and aspects of your life. This can be very painful.

You've just seen your parents for an extended period.

How do you handle the lack of validation?
I am guessing some of your parents' comments and behaviors are hurtful.
What do you do in response to the "hurt?"
Do you maybe get hurt, then angry and shut down, putting a lid on your own emotions?

Sometimes, meds can contribute to blunting our affect.

Sometimes we subconsciously choose to blunt our own emotions because:
- it's less painful to "blunt" or to "stuff" emotions than to feel them, or
- we are fearful of what might happen should we fully feel our emotions, or
- past attempts at expressing our emotions have not gone well, or
- we simply have not learned to identify and how to handle our emotions, or
- due to some other reason entirely.

When we don't know what will happen if we feel our emotions, we may fear them. Shutting down, "numbness," can feel like "safety" from the unknown.

Trouble is, over time, "numbness" keeps us, and those around us, stuck in a non-rewarding (usually unhealthy) pattern.

Do you journal? Sometimes journaling can help us to identify, express, sort feelings.

Is it possible, if you'd otherwise feel overwhelmed right now, that "numbness" is keeping you feeling more safe?

I recall you've been searching for a compatible therapist and pdoc. Have you been able to find these resources? If so, are you moving toward a closer relationship(s) with these providers?

You deserve to feel heard.
You deserve validation.

You deserve to feel as though your parents "believe in you."

We all need to feel heard and validated.
We all need support.

Please keep reaching out.
We believe in you.
Let us help to support you during this trying time.


WC