I'm sure towing guys have seen plenty of tears. My workplace had old wooden palettes near the dumpster and no one cleaned up the industrial staples---I lost a tire that way (2 actually as it is recommended that you replace 2 at a time) I know the fury of having no one in particular to rail against.

You are not a fraud. Personally I prefer T's who have had a troubled MH past but overcame it. You will get there, but you do need a good therapist. Can your professor get you in touch with someone? (the prof that you are getting attached to?)