And been deathly afraid of asking for what I truly need.
I understand that, it is one of my "snakes on a brain." That can conjur up some very bad images. It takes more than just telling yourself you are worth it. Think thru why it's good and healthy for you to ask for what you need.
A - Adversity "I have ___________ problem."
B- Belief (replace old dysfunctional belief with new productive one) "I have a plan and can carry out the first two steps this morning."
C - Consequence "Goldey is getting her needs met by taking care of herself."
real friends will help when you need help with no expectations
Your job is to be the best Goldey you can. The journey still has a long way to go. You can handle it.
Cheers
M22,H45,W45 S21/18D12 Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties and at the same time confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.