I absolutely understand dear Fuzzy.
Yes, toxic shame is something underpinning my mental health in very hurtful ways as well. A daily battle and struggle. Awful! And how did this toxic shame get there? Well, the psychologists and the therapists assure me it was
put there by...
the ones who were meant to love us.

It's very painful for me to think about too deeply, as it only gives rise to negative memories and feelings that I would much rather not be there...
But we have love in our hearts dear Fuzzy, so that already makes us better than them. Your posts make me feel less alone in my own struggles too, so, thank you.
I hope you are managing okay today and that some peace may be returning to your soul, my fuzzy, fuzzy friend.