I understand. That's why I don't want to see you drive any good posters off of your thread.
Have you talked to your doctor about anti-depressant/anti-anxiety meds? They help . . . a LOT . . . and most do take some time (some, 2-3 weeks) to kick in.
I agree that you should see your doctor. You could easily start experiencing anxiety attacks, which are pretty scary, or at worst have a heart attack. If you are not sleeping at night, that makes the stress even worse.
We all understand, really we do, but it just will not get better overnight and you have to accept that reality. Hope for the best but plan for the worst.....that's the motto around here b/c that is dealing with reality. If you are not satisfied with your lawyer, then continue to search until you find the right one who will go to bat for you. Do you know anyone at work or in your family that has had experience with any lawyers?
I used to lay a lot of information on Newcomers, but I have learned that many cannot process that much when they first arrive. When in pain, it's hard to digest everything thrown at you.
Please take care of yourself. Your children need you.
It is not about what you feel should work in your M. It is about doing the work that gets the right results. Do what works!