I can relate in a way. When people over the last eight years have commented on my health condition, tried to give advice, haven't listened to what I have to say, judged me, and the list goes on, it's felt defeating, demoralizing, and exhausting. So, you retreat, and you don't waste your time trying to explain things to people because they will have their own thoughts and opinions anyway. Like, what's the point? It's difficult and overwhelming to have to explain yourself every time and set the record straight if everyone in your life has different ideas about your situation.

It was only until I improved physically (with respect to my illness) that I started to have very clear boundaries with people, stood up for myself often, set the record straight, etc., and in the process have gained much respect from the people in my life.

Perhaps, and this is just a thought, you need to deal with this more internally before you're ready to have to "deal" with the people in your life. So you stay silent for now. It's a way of coping. Plus, the damage your ex did to you.

I have every confidence, being the strong person you evidently are (I’m good at identifying strong people, as well as idiots and morons), that you'll find your way. But for now, you do what you have to do to make it through each day.

Soon, I'll probably be reading about you partying in Ibiza with your two new Spanish boyfriends, while your daughter is being taken good care of -- babysitting duties -- at home by your loving family members who, based on their own shitty level of awareness, are doing the best they can (we hope).