Making visible the invisible : children caring for parents with mental problems

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects on the development of children and/or young people have when assuming the role of carers when their parents suffer from mental health problems. In doing so the educational aspect was one of the major concerns since it was recognized as a major issue on this behalf. Though education was an important element for the research purpose, one has to keep in mind that it does not exist within a vacuum, other issues are also present which have a substantial impact on young carers' educational achievements. The term young carers is used when we refer to these children and/or young people. Because of the vast area of mental health problems the research was directed on families where the mother is diagnosed with some form of mood disorder, mainly depression. In reaching this aim a qualitative study was adopted by the participation of five young carers and another five former young carers. The results which were drawn out from the study showed that young carers perform various types of caring tasks from practical domestic tasks to an emotional type of support which is very necessary when mental health issues are present. Young carers find that it is their duty to care for their parents, but negative effects resulted when they did not receive an appropriate support especially within the family system. The stigma associated with mental health problems contribute to the hidden aspects of young caring. Young carers find it very difficult to disclose what they are passing through and therefore this fact adds more burden on their situation as carers. Another aspect which is affected is the relationships young carers have with their peers. The results showed that they have few friends if nothing at all with whom they can share their experience. The need for support that young carers expressed during the study suggest that a particular direct service has to be provided to them, although in some form or another, professionals especially social workers are providing an indirect service when working with them or with their families. When considering the lack of financial resources in Malta, human resources through voluntary organisations could be a possible solution to direct our efforts to give an appropriate support to young carers. Foreign research showed that this type of approach had positive outcomes for young carers. More awareness on this issue could also be provided, and in doing so we can improve their situation in making more visible the invisible.