That's still pretty awesome of you @j95 :) it takes a lot of strength and courage to care for someone, no matter how small. I can relate to wanting/trying to be a role model, I think it comes with being the older sibling ;)    Could you explain what nbsp is? If that's okay.  ... View more

@joshie you sound like an amazing person and so does your brother :) so sorry to hear about him though, I'm glad that you found ReachOut. I think that one of the positives about caring for someone is that you become a lot closer to the person that you're caring for. And thankyou :) us carers have to look out for each other as well.  ... View more

@Bee thats okay. Hmm.. I think getting schools involved would be a good start. I'm sure the support are aware of hidden carers too, I spoke to Carers Victoria the other day and one of the ladies was part of a group that represent carers on their behalf. They're working on creating a forum specifically for carers so I think they're definitely trying to reach out to them but these things can take a while, especially if they're relying on government support.     Oh you draw? That's awesome! Wish I could draw haha, are you any good?  ... View more

@Bee Mhmm. I think that would be a pretty good start :) that way the support that is already there may be able to get more funding too.    That's alright, what are your interests? I find music helps me (I sing and play a bit of guitar), just a matter of distracting yourself I guess and taking comfort in the fact that everyone is fighting their own battles :)   ... View more

@Bee yeah I get that, guys aren't usually willing to take on the caring role.   Haha I think most if not all families are dysfunctional, this is only one aspect of what goes on. Yeah, its kind of funny, as a society we like hearing about ordinary people being heroes but carers are rarely mentioned. Insight did an episode on young carers a couple of years ago and thats about the only thing I'm aware of. I did a research assignment on young carers last semester and apparently all the support is there but the issue is that young carers don't identify themselves as such..    Aww.. well you're doing what you can and at the end of the day thats what matters :) is there anything that you do to help you cope? ... View more

Aww :( @Bee is it just you that looks afer her?    For sure, I come from a culture where looking after family is kind of a big thing so I guess cultural values and views has something to do with it too. Most people know someone who is a carer but they don't really talk about it or they don't know how..   It must be hard not knowing exactly what it is that she's going through, I can relate to that. Same thing with gp's, paramedics (as mentioned in OP). I think this is why more awareness about young carers is so important, in order to at least create a better sense of understanding. I know that it can be an isolating when you have to put someone else's needs before your own, so I can understand why you're stuggling :) I've struggled quite a bit too, and still am.   Haha that's happening to me too! Very strange.   ... View more

Hey @Bee sorry to hear about your mother, I'm a little lost for words myself. It must be difficult for you to watch the woman who brought you up deteriorate in front of you...she's lucky to have you :) I think the reason why some carers don't identify with the term 'carer' is because what you're doing is just looking after a family member or close friend, which is a really personal situation.    I didn't hear about the term young carer until I was about 16, and it was kind of like 'oh so thats what it's called' but I was in high school at the time, and when people would ask me how my little sister was I kept it quiet because I didn't know how to explain it to them, I didn't even know what her condition was myself..  thats the thing I find the most frustrating, because there still seems to be a lot that I don't know about it. So in that sense I'm lost too.    Love the quote from P!nk by the way! Her lyrics are amazing. And its always lovely to meet a young carer such as yourself :) ... View more

Thank you :) I'm sure you're awesome as well ... View more

Aww thankyou @hartley_ as are you :) ... View more

Sorry @blithe I'll remember that next time. ... View more

Hey @change, I know what you're going through, I get jealous and clingy quite easily too.. and it hasn't always been this way. You need to learn to love yourself and work on re-building a new and improved you :) the person you were is still in you somewhere, do things that you love and make you happy and slowly things will change :) best of luck and feel free to send me a private message if you ever need to :) ... View more

@safari93 Sweet! I'm usually busy at that time but I will definitely try to tune in. Thanks for letting me know :) ... View more

Thanks @safari93 I was kind of hoping someone would mention something along those lines. I'm in Victoria, what kind of session is this? Online or? ... View more

I hope they do as well @Sophie-RO I will have a look at the link tonight, thank you :) I think I will definitely be sticking around, I'd love to get to know the ReachOut community.   ... View more

Yes @Student94 I've read the factsheet prior to making this post. Thank you, but that is not what I am looking for. I have spoken to plenty of mental health professionals during my youth. I want to talk to and connect with people that are in a similar situation as myself, not someone from the outside looking in. Thanks anyway. ... View more