The Self-Care Struggle: Why Abuse Victims Find It Hard to Prioritize Themselves
It's important to understand that you cannot give from an empty cup. If you do, you will be depleted energetically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. Therefore, every single person really has the responsibility to meet their own needs, and only once this is the case are they going to be able to give to others in a way that fulfills them, fulfills the other and meets everyone's needs involved.
Ever wonder why self-care feels like an uphill battle for many abuse survivors? In this eye-opening episode of the 'Narcissism Recovery Podcast', Yitz Epstein, a seasoned narcissistic abuse and relationship life coach, dives deep into the reasons behind this struggle. Abuse victims often wrestle with negative internalized messages that make them feel undeserving of care. These feelings of worthlessness and unworthiness can make it hard to meet their own needs.
Yitz breaks down how these harmful beliefs take root and why they persist long after the abuse has ended. But it’s not just about understanding the problem; Yitz offers practical advice on how to overcome these challenges. He highlights the importance of healing from early childhood and past relationship wounds, which often lie at the heart of self-care issues. You'll learn about the impact of fear-based thinking, difficulties in communicating needs, and the fear of being seen as an inconvenience.
Yitz stresses that self-care isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. “You can't pour from an empty cup”, he explains, emphasizing that taking care of yourself is essential for building fulfilling relationships. By prioritizing your own needs, you not only replenish your own energy but also become better equipped to support others in a meaningful way.
If you’ve ever felt guilty for putting yourself first or struggled to ask for what you need, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps to help you break free from these patterns. Tune in and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.