Family is Abusive - Emotionally and Physically?

Question

I am 22 year old female who just graduated from a private university. My family seems fairly “upper middle class” but I know I am severely depressed as a result of the emotional abuse I suffered as a kid. My father was physically abusive to my mother and still is, and my mother is an alcoholic (she drinks every night, alone, hides bottles ect.) She wont leave, and doesn’t want to end her drinking. Like most children of alcoholics I am stuck feeling poorly about my self and I too don’t have the strength to leave. I also want to stay to make sure my 15 year old sister is alright. No one knows about this – and although I have a lot of friends – none of them know about this.

Answer 1

You are old enough to do something about your situation - move out. You need to take care of yourself and make sure you are safe - emotionally and physically. While you may want to "help" your sister - you really can't do anything for her until she is 18 and can move out as well. You staying living there isn't healthy for you - especially if you are depressed and feeling awful about yourself.