MoxieDoxie, I know what you mean in feeling rotten from the inside out. Emotionally unsafe homes pump chemical reactions into us that hurt our body from the inside out due to the overload. The good part about it is that the chemicals saved us from dying from and in the fearful situations (fight/flight/freeze).

My lifetime journey work has been decided for me: I can try to dilute this inner overdose of cortisol now that I know what is going on or die in the continued fear within myself and around others. Continually finding the balance is a chore sometimes, but what is the alternative? So, I meditate, exercise daily, eat healthy, socialize some, and study the neuroscience in how to have and enjoy a new way of life. And wear my night retainer! (And not have further contact with my core family, namely my sisters now that our parents are dead. I wish them well, as I do for myself given our early 'put down' upbringing.)