House move - do we stay or go?

[GoStayGoStay]

We feel so torn about what to do.

We have found a buyer for our house. It has taken much longer than we anticipated to get to this point.

Our plan was to move away. DH and I are desperate for a fresh start and it’s now or never. We won’t be able to do this again for many reasons. We both have very toxic dysfunctional families who make our lives very difficult living where we are. We are very unhappy living here generally and my mental health is very poor as a result. I feel very trapped. Moving within our town wouldn’t solve anything as the toxic relatives would still be here. WFH so relocation would be a good solution.

However, DC has started at an outstanding High school since we started this process (because it’s taken so long), if we move now they could end up in a terrible school. They also have a good friendship group.

So, the question is, do we move away, protect our mental health and put our needs first for a change with the hope that it will improve our lives?
Or do we stay for the DCs sake knowing that we will be trapped in our unhappy, stressed states for the sake of our DCs outstanding school?

YABU - stay living where you are

YANBU - take the opportunity for a fresh start

Can’t you cut off the toxic family members? Total black out? Then do up your house a bit, refresh. So it feels like a newish start?

We’re only as happy as our unhappiest child, aren’t we? Thinking about the friendship group rather than the school itself.

@TealTraybake From our side we aren’t really in contact with the wider family, but they harass in ways that there is nothing we can do about it. They follow us a lot in their cars, we have also been photographed by a private detective who followed us for a couple of weeks, they’ve made up stuff about us to other people, so we have even had hostility from people we don’t know, but who know them.
It’s the sort of stuff that really messes with your head, but legally you can’t do anything about. It’s unpleasant. So no, a lick of paint to our house won’t cut it!

I am sure there are other outstanding schools and your DC will make new friends.

It just feel selfish, which is why it’s holding me back. I feel like I will be taking away from my child, just to benefit myself.
But quite honestly, I think I will have a breakdown if I stay in this town much longer. I’m already on medication to get through each day.
But at the same time I know I should sacrifice myself for my child.

Nope, your child is already being affected by your and DH's stress. Start researching schools in the area you want to move to. Get excited about moving. Imagine how good it will feel and the new friends your child will make