Hi Distressed,

It is always scary to move away, but maybe it will also bring some relief. You deserve to be treated well. I know the family emotional abuse of which you speak. Hang in there. At least this separation will allow you to have some boundaries.... and peace and quiet. It doesn't mean you don't love your family - but that you need to be free. Just keep reaching out to those who you feel comfortable with. A good strategy is to find (possibly) some older people who can in a way be there for you. I have a few people who I call "surrogate parents." I became friends with them when I moved away from home and they are friends who are in their 60's - two single women and one couple. Be gentle with yourself. You are entitled to live in a supportive environment where you are not put down or scolded all the time and free from the constant worries of your mother, which you cannot mend.