I grew up the same, Ellie. Hang on! Your neural circuits are deeply imprinted with ways of thinking. Neurons that fire together, wire together.

But take it from a man in his late 50s, you aren’t stuck with these feelings for life. Change can and does happen. New ways of thinking can etch stronger circuits.

Professional counseling can help too. In my (not entirely uninformed) opinion, cognitive behavioral therapy is particularly well suited to eliminating engrained feelings of guilt and shame.

Much love to you!

Jim