Young carer Monica has documented her experiences of looking after her brother as part of a video project co-created by our early intervention in psychosis (EIP) team and Trust carers, to highlight the importance of carer voices.
Here is her story:
Playing the flute, sketching flowers and reading are some of nine-year-old Monica’s favourite ways of having fun – but they have to be put on hold if her brother is ill.
Her brother struggles with his mental health and, if he gets upset, Monica tries to comfort him with a hug or by playing video games with him.
“Some days he is really angry and he can smash things and break things, and other days he is cuddling me and asking if I want to play Minecraft,” she said.
“If he is shouting and breaking things, I’ll go up to my room. Sometimes, I look at him and just freeze. I’m scared at the same time, but I don’t really show it.
“When he gets better, I go to his room to see if he’s alright. Whenever I get a dandelion flower, I always wish for my brother to get better.”
Talking helps
Monica finds that talking to people about her situation really helps, and she has found support from her best friend at school – as well as one of her teachers.
She also attends a group for young carers, where she enjoys a range of activities and meets others in similar situations. Often they talk, and swap stories.
“When my brother is really angry, I have to stay quiet and not talk to him. But when he has a good day, I can go up to him and hug him,” she said.
“I find that it really helps to have someone to talk to. You can talk to somebody about what you’re dealing with and know you are not alone.”
- Watch Monica’s video of her experiences as a young carer and look out for more EIP carer videos every day this week.
