Open Eyes -- In reading your description of PTSD above (display of need, lack of trust, difficulty maintaining relationships, outburst of anger, then lows of tears and even days of depression), I'm just wondering how severe the childhood abuse must be for this diagnosis to apply. I display all of these symptons (except the depression is more like anxiety) but have never been diagnosed with anything other can occasional mood swings.

Recently, at work, a co-worker suggested professional help after she'd noticed my mood swings (including outbursts of anger followed by tears)...then I saw this post and it got me thinking. I don't know exactly what consitutes an abusive childhood so I'd just considered myself the product of my parents' divorce and the typical fighting that goes along with it.

I've been hesitant to go back into therapy as my parents are now elderly (mom is 76 and dad is 82)....I really don't want to dredge everything up again (from 30 years ago) when I'd much prefer these years to be ones of forgiveness and comfort for both them and me.

I definitely have difficulty regulating my emotions, especially during times of stress.

Shezbut...I hope that this is not hijacking your original post too much...but reading through the responses has me thinking and in need of a bit more clarification.