Thank you for your kindness and for giving me much to ponder!

I realized, as I read the questions you suggested I ask myself, that I'm still so ashamed of myself. I'm still viewing myself as a fatally flawed being. I need to work on that I think. I believe that would help me to see, and I like how you phrased it, that I'm not a "mentally ill person" but just a person with strengths and needs. If I can overcome that I would be a long way towards acceptance.

I want to be able to stand up without shame and say, "Hi, my name is cptsdwhoa, and I am a work-in-progress."

Thank you SilverTrees. Your reply is so appreciated.