Having been a carer for over a year now, I think I finally feel comfortable sharing my experience of having an ill mum. I didn’t realise at first that I was a carer, and it wasn’t until some amazing teachers noticed how tired I was that I realised telling your mum it’s her bedtime isn’t normal.
I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs in my mental health, and I truly couldn’t say if finding out what my mum had made me feel more or less worried. There’s no cure for chronic fatigue, but there a mountain of help and support. Some days I find it hard to concentrate on my work in school or revision, but others I’m completely fine and laughing and joking as normal. Sometimes I feel alone, like no one understands how difficult it can be to see your mum fall asleep at half 6 after struggling all day. But then I realise I’m so lucky that I have so much support in school and how many friends are there for me,
willing to listen.
My mum has looked after me for 17 years, I think it’s only fair I look after her.
Only, I was expecting a few more years before I was helping her out of chairs. I’ve never seen being a carer as a negative thing, as I don’t see myself as a carer. I talk to her about anything, tell her to take pain medications, and at the end of the day sit across from her at the dinner table discussing school. I’m not just a carer, and I think it’s important for anyone who is a young carer to realise. I am still a child, and I think it’s important to allow myself time to relax, study, and do what I want.
If you are a carer, there is loads of support out there. Facebook groups, charities, your teachers; they’re there to help. It can be isolating to feel like the only one, but there are so many people willing to help- you just have to ask.
