I have to agree with kaliope. I've also cut my highly destructive and controlling family out of my life. It was the best decision I ever made for myself. I still have PTSD, and probably always will - possibly because I let it go on too long.

I just stopped answering phone calls, cashing birthday checks, attending family gatherings, and sending Christmas cards. Eventually they got the point and went away and left me alone.

I am now known as "The Crazy One" and damn proud of it. I'd rather be considered crazy than evil. Besides, if you ask me, if I'm the ONLY one who's ever sought treatment, how does that make me crazy?

I'm happier, healthier than I've ever been (at 52) and I can wake up in the morning looking forward to the day and feeling proud of the progress I've made.