I remember a time as a carer when every day was exactly the same. Weekends, weekdays, bank holidays it really didn't matter. I'd had to give up work, I'd had to give up all my social activities and a break for me was being able to nip to the shop to get something. Finding a way for self-care during those times was really hard but I did. We splashed out on an inflatable hot tub (no pun intended) and spending a short time in the hot tub listening to my favourite music was "my time". Life is very different now and I get lots of opportunities for self-care. I've still a lot of responsibilities as a carer for my son but as his journey moves forward my role is much less overwhelming. We also know that with his journey it may not always be a straight road forward. For me it's important not to dwell on the what ifs. I've learned the importance of living in the present. That means that while things are going well I get to enjoy them, to celebrate with him. Should that change again we will deal with it as best we can but I will not let unnecessary worries about what tomorrow MAY bring steal today's joy. I hope whatever stage you are in your journey you get time for yourself today and get to enjoy that beautiful sunshine 🌞

If you feel comfortable please introduce yourself here .Tell us a little about you. What you would hope to get from this community . I've already posted a bit about me. I'd love to know about you x

I love this photo. It was taken of me and my three teenage children on holiday shortly before our world as a family changed forever My eldest son here has Tourette Syndrome and Autism. He struggled with anxiety throughout his teens and shortly after this he had a huge breakdown, probably caused by burnout. In the 20 years since then our lives, not just his, have been very different to what we imagined them to be. A life fighting for mental health services, struggling to keep him safe, having to give up my career, my social life, my income. Navigating the benefit system for him. His siblings are also neurodiverse although one doesn't want to go down the diagnosis route. They had to come to terms with "grieving" the brother they thought they had, becoming carers, learning to live and support the brother he morphed into and eventually joining in celebrating his achievements as he progressed on his recovery. However I also know recovery is not a straight line. We have had many twists , turns and even doubled back on several occasions. My husband and I have also struggled with our mental health at times while juggling caring for our son with the usual pressures of life including caring for parents as they got older and passed away. We as a family were lucky as we supported each other but on my journey I've talked to so many people struggling without support and that's what gave me the idea of this community. I felt "shame" in being the parent of a mentally ill teenager when all around other parents were boasting about their young people achievements. I know now that everyone has their own story and their own burdens. If my son had been diagnosed with cancer would I have felt ashamed? Of course not! Yet I had no more control over him becoming mentally ill than if he'd become physically ill and for several years he was at real risk of losing his life to his illness. You will never feel shame in this community. That is my promise to you ❤️

I’m so glad you’re here. This community was created for parents, carers, and overwhelmed humans who are carrying a lot emotionally and often quietly. Many of us are supporting neurodiverse children or adults, living alongside mental health challenges in the family, coping with burnout, anxiety, exhaustion, or simply trying to hold everything together day after day. This is intended to be a calm, judgement-free space where I hope you will feel understood• share honestly• connect with others who “get it”• find gentle support and encouragement You don’t need to have the right words. You don’t need to pretend you’re coping. You don’t need to fix everything here. You are welcome exactly as you are. To help us get started, feel free to introduce yourself as much or as little as you’d like. What brought you here? What kind of support or space are you hoping for right now? Please remember: This is a supportive peer community, NOT a crisis service. If I can point you in the right direction I will but I'm not qualified to help someone in crisis Everyone’s experiences and privacy should be treated with kindness and respect. My experience is personal, as is yours. I can tell you what helped me but I am very aware that we are NOT all in the same boat. Our individual circumstances may be very different. Thank you for being here . I'm looking forward to finding out more about you ❤️