Hello amixa,
As crazy as this might sound, are there any good boxing or kickboxing gyms in your area? Here is why I suggest this:
1) When you start training, it will let out SO much of this tension you have. You will feel great.
2) It will teach you how to whip some ass and you will feel confident knowing that you can.
3) When you know you can whip some butt it will allow you to express yourself better. People should not be able to put you down. You will be more likely to stand up for yourself and also people will think twice knowing that they might have a fight on their hands.
Aside from the boxing or kickboxing, I would start calling some employment agencies immediately to get a job. Google "employment agency (insert your city name)" and type in the name of your city. Go get a job. Go on
craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums and find you a roommate and a place. No need to be there if you don't have to.
Lastly, start reading some books on Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem. If you go to Barnes & Noble, there are workbooks in their Self-Improvement section that deal with just this. I think one is actually called "The Self-Esteem Workbook." The more self-esteem you have the less likely anyone can throw you off the handle and the more you are to go about getting what you want.
I hope some of this helps.