[cancelled]

Thank you all for your insight. I think a few next steps are clear to me.

1. Seek some therapy/mental help. Something I've been lacking and psyched myself out in to thinking I don't deserve it. 2. See if there are any legal avenues/help I can get on contingency, (I am pretty broke at the moment) 3. Maybe just own the situation and try to exude confidence, as hard as that can be. 4. Worst comes to worst, change my name and just try to do contracting work for awhile.

This has been the worst ordeal of my life, and as helpful as this post has been, has just given me more anxiety about the situation at hand. But it's always the darkest before the dawn I suppose. I'm going to shut my laptop and try to meditate for a little bit.

[psyklic]

Sounds like a terrible situation. Keep in mind most lawyers will give you a no-charge consultation. Even if they don't take the case, you might get some useful advice.

[mleonhard]

You will make it through this. Life is long. In a few years this trouble will be a distant memory. Right now, take care of yourself. Meditation is a great idea. Also, go for long walks. I like listening to audio books while taking walks. I recommend the Culture series, Rainbow's End, and the Ringworld series. Spend time with people who care about you. I hope you will have peace.