Dear Erin:

To put it simply, you are scared and  you are stuck being scared, stuck in fear.

It is scary  to move  forward, it is scary to stay where  you are, so what-to-do?

Got to lessen that fear, that is first  priority, something  that has to be done, otherwise you can’t move past this fear trap. Is quality psychotherapy available to you? Have you tried guided meditations (theme of mindfulness is best)? Any social support, people whose presence  calms you?

Another question: is there anyone who is financially dependent  on you?

anita