We have an 11-year-old daughter together. I don’t want her seeing this or have her be exposed to this.
Have confidence in her already being affected and knowing more than you realize, even if it's from the underlying tensions.
Alcoholism promotes and thrives on keeping secrets. If this isn't openly being talked about --in terms an 11 year old can handle and needs to know -- then alcoholism is succeeding in that.
Leaving can be as simple as packing bags, going to stay with trusted friends or family for 2 or 3 weeks. To ask and allow others to help us can be a very healing action.
Fear can be something that propels us to do more than we ever knew we could. It's also absolutely good to feel and recognise all our emotions: fear, guilt, sadness, joy, happiness, etc