National Carers Week

Lee-Anne - QLD

31 years ago, when my second child was born, I had severe problems during delivery. I thought I was just 'being a mum' because that's what mums do, yeah! As years progressed and the issues became bigger, harder and more time consuming, I just got on with it. Finally, we graduated from school. We do not have support from school anymore or from physio, OT, speech, etc. No box is the right shape to fit my child/adult in, no job would take her (too hard). Then my husband gets sick, loses his job, and gets diagnosed with Early Onset Dementia. I'm working as always, caring for 2 people with disabilities, bringing up 3 children. Life and 'just being a Mum' suddenly get exponentially harder. My health deteriorates, I'm constantly sick and in hospital. I tried to do it all for 6 years until the camel's back broke :( My husband must go into care, I need formal support for my adult child, and I MUST, finally, take some pressure off myself. I care for Millions of reasons, but mainly because I'm 'just a Mum/wife'. It's what we do for those we Love. (Submitted in October 2022)

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