I can relate to your problem. My mother had a major and untreated mental problem when I was growing up. Both family and friends tried to get me away from her with no success; I had to stay with her until I was 18. No, your mother probably shouldn't be the one to decide where you live, but you don't have any easy options. You could go to court and request emancipation. I'm not sure how long that would take, or how much money, but I don't think it would be cheap. Another option would be to contact your local family services and see what they can do. Even if they get you away from her, they may want to place you with one of their foster families, but it's worth looking into. The good news is that you have less than a year to go until you can leave her house legally. Instead of putting a lot of time and effort into trying to get away from her now, hang in as best you can, start saving money and plan to move out on your 18th birthday. If you do go to live with a friend of the family at that point, be prepared to pay some room and board either with cash or by doing chores. Be aware that once you're 18 and away from your mother, she is not obligated to pay for any of your expenses. You might also want to contact the local mental health services and see if you can get some counseling. From experience, I can tell you that growing up with a mother who has an uncontrolled mental problem will have had an effect on you. I think you'll find that counseling will help you make the transition to being a self-supporting adult with a minimum of problems. I wish you the very best!

Just want to add becareful about call protective services. They may place you in a situation that is worse than your current situation. Is there any adults that you trust that you can talk too? A friend's parent or someone at your school? What about your Dad can he help??

Get a free consultation with a lawyer, they can help you succeed from the family.

You can go to the Department of Human Services "Child Protection Services" people (Listed in the phone book, or ask information operator for the number). Tell them your situation and tell them you want help. They are obliged by law to help you! Good luck!

What does your mother have? You can seek emancipation or involve social services so that your mother may get the help she needs.

have you patitioned the courts for imancipation?

No,it's not up to her it's your life you can move out if you want. Don't let her control you if that's what you surely want to do

There are already a lot of good answers here, so I will just add to them. I noticed that you would like to live with a family friend. That is interesting. Do you have any family that could help you? I assume that you don't or they are too far away to help or you would have tried that already. Keep in mind that when people have mental problems, depending on the severity, it isn't a matter won't get help but CAN'T get help (this is not true in all cases). The bottom line is that legally she is still your guardian until you are emanciapated, turn 18, or worst case scenario she is deemed unfit as a parent, thus, it is indeed her decision. If your mother's mental problem involves abuse or other situations that endanger your well being--you can't wait until 18 to leave. You have to do what is best to protect yourself now. If her mental instability simply annoys you, then stick it out and do the best you can until you are legally an adult. The other part of this is that if she truly has a mental problem, then she needs help too. A lot of people have recommended you contact your local social services (or child protective services) office. If you do so, I would do it with the aid if the family friend or other trusted adult. You're 17 and CPS is typically overwhelmed, so they may just let you do what you want provided you have good reason for doing so and seem able to make decisions for yourself. Phew, this is a tough one. I do hope this helps.

You are in a difficult situation. first, you are 17 and by law, are still a juvenile under the total supervision of your mother. second, what makes you believe your mother has a mental condition? do other family members also believe this? where is your father? are you being abused? if your father is available, contact him and explain your situation. if he is not available, contact a family member for advice. If you seriously believe your mother has a mental condition, you have a right to contact the police and explain to an officer. if his evaluation proves positive, the officer will contact the dept. of children services(or similiar agency)to start an investigation. Warning....if your mother does not have a mental condition and you just want to leave, do not embarass your family. They will never forgive you.

if you are 17 you are old enough to move out. i moved out when i was 17.

no that's your own choice enjoy your freedom from her

I have been dealing with a mental uncle recently, at your age your in a tought spot. If she won't get help and it's a serious condition, meaning she is a threat to herself or you/others call your local police department and tell them you want a health and welfare check. They will not arrest her or anything crazy like that, if they feel the need they will force her to go to a doctor and be evaluated, if they find a symptom they will get her on medications and probably improve both of your lives, trust me I have been going through this for several months and got my uncle treated, life is unquestionable better and more manageable. You might feel like your going against her like I did, but your not actually by not getting her help your part of the problem. Remember she is the one with the illness so obviously she won't seek help!! It is degrading for people for some reason to admit they have mental issues. God Bless

Get legal advise before doing anything with the authorities, even at you're age, you can get caught up in the system, and it'll make you're life a living hell.

Why do you think she has a mental problem?

If your mom has a real documented mental issue or you have proof of neglect or abuse, you may be able to file for emancipation.

She proably wants you by her side or if it's no that do what you think is right talk to her maybe that will help.

In this case no. Since your mother is mentally ill, she has no right into trying to control you, or anybody else. If anything, she needs to be controlled (by mental health professionals of course). You cannot force her to get help (which is a shame), but you can try to get emancipated. It's a lot easier said than done, but you need to take action before your mother hurts you, whether if it's physically or mentally. Now I'm not suggesting you're mother is a bad person, but she is retarded, so if she hurts you she won't realize it.

This question was asked in 2006, so it would be interesting to find out how it all turned out. For other 17 year olds who might be reading this, look up "emancipation" and find the freedom you need.

i just had a friend's daughter do the same..except she was 16 and went to live with him...her mother has been unstable for years, and neither he nor the daughter could take anymore.... if he really is unstable and clingy....you can do what you want at 17....it will drive her bezerk as it did this girls mom...but oh well.....she is mostly blowing smoke anyway.... go to the friend's....and to avoid the confrontation, move out when she isn't around...where is your Dad or grandparents?