I know what you are going through, I had the same type of situation growing up. However the only difference is I lived in the big city and longed to be in the sticks.

I come from a large family (lots of aunts and uncles) but I still didn't have a support system. I have never fit in with any of my family members and my mother is a very controlling person. She was very upset with me when I didn't go to school to be a doctor or lawyer. In fact we were at each others throats constantly. In my case it got so bad that we didn't speak to one another for 21 years.

However, it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. You are reaching out for support, you have the self control to avoid situations and you are taking control of your career path. Way to go!