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When You Feel You Don’t Deserve to Be Happy

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One of the most common challenges faced on the road to mental wellness is an overwhelming feeling of unworthiness.  Many people who have suffered from depression, anxiety, or trauma have a hard time accepting that joy is not only possible but well deserved.  The problem with this mindset is that it can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors and an inability to accept good things that come into your life.  If you are feeling as if you don’t deserve good things, it can be helpful to remember that almost everyone has felt this way at some point, and most people are fundamentally good and worthy.  In addition to your own worthiness, remember that the people around you deserve to experience you at your best, and happy people make the world a better place overall. Many people who feel they don’t deserve good things are living with guilt over past mistakes or pain they have caused to others.  While it may be true that you acted selfishly, or even vindictively, in the past, those were the actions of a person you no longer have to be.  It is important to make amends with people you have wronged whenever possible, and then let go of your guilt. If you have experienced struggles in your life that made it difficult to act from a place of compassion, such as addiction, acknowledge that your wrongdoings were most likely heavily influenced by your circumstances.  You can forgive yourself for acting selfishly under immense stress, while also continuing to hold yourself accountable for your future decisions.  

You Are Worthy of Recovery 

If you continue to struggle with allowing yourself to feel happy, it is a good idea to seek professional mental health care.  Mental illnesses such as depression and chronic anxiety can cause you to be overly self-critical and make it difficult to experience joy.  Additionally, childhood trauma can lead to serious issues with developing a sense of worth and may need to be worked through with a trauma-informed therapist.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and mental health issues, now is the time to reach out for help.  At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms.  We use an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan.  We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.