I'm 17, i'll be 18 in less than 5 months, and i need to get away from my mom.

[Unregistered]

I'm 17, i'll be 18 in less than 5 months, and i need to get away from my mom, we have a lot of issues. She won't let me live with my dad(they're divorced and my mom has full custody) and living with my mom is a nightmare. I can't handle the verbal abuse and constant stress that's making me feel like my body is shutting down because of it. My mom won't let me leave and i need to find a way to do that. I can't put up with constantly being depressed all the time and having anxiety because of every time i even hear her voice, i literally get stressed by just hearing her voice and it never changes. What can i do to get away from her?

[ccsmod10]

RE: I'm 17, i'll be 18 in less than 5 months, and i need to get away from my mom.

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to us regarding your situation. It sounds like your relationship with your mom is really rough right now and is drastically affecting your well-being. It is certainly understandable that you might want to get away.

We are not legal experts and can only offer general information. Regarding your question of getting away from your mom - in most states the age of majority is 18 which gives your mom legal rights over you until then. In terms of how the laws are enforced it varies state to state and even city to city. If you have a plan about where you'd go, how you'd get there, and how you'd survive once you got there, you may be able to call the local law enforcement office and ask what the laws are and what the consequences are if you decide to go against them.

You mention wanting to live with your dad but your mom won't give permission. Would your dad be able to discuss this with your mom to advocate for you and suggest you come stay with him? If your mom won't let you go stay with your dad, is there anyone she would let you stay with?

The issues you describe seem to be having a big impact on your physical and mental health. Are you able to find ways to take care of your body and mind? Do you have a trusted friend, relative, teacher, or someone you feel comfortable turning to regarding what's going on? You deserve to be happy and to feel good.

It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help and you are taking a big step by doing so. Please feel free to contact us with further questions. We are available 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) and also via chat between 4:30 pm and 11:30 pm CST at 1800runaway.org. We are confidential and anonymous. You can also try contacting Justice for Children at 1-800-733-0059. They are available 8am-5pm (CST). Their website is http://www.jfcadvocacy.org. They can also help assist with answering some of your questions and coming up with a plan.

Best of luck,

-NRS