text: Been there babe, my mother was schizophrenic and my dad left us with her when I was 9. She tried to kill me (tried to strangle me in my bed) because she thought my dad would come back if she killed me and my 2 sisters. It was downhill from there until I was 18 and moved out. It was total survival for me and my sisters until we came of age, and we just survived for each other. We all now have wonderful lives and families, all graduated from college (on our own power) and are happy. Mom finally committed suicide when I was 30, but not without many years in there of attempted mental abuse. Honey, your dad can NOT hurt you mentally unless you let him. Revel in your uniqueness, in your future, in your potential (in which he has NO power). Save your money now for your escape later. You have the power, sweetie, you will survive and conquer.