What difficulties develop when a child becomes a caregiver to their own parent? Studies show that young caregivers make up at least 12% of Canadian youth. One of these young people is Kristie Mar. At just 16 years old, Kristie set aside a significant part of her adolescence to become the sole carer for her mother, who was navigating schizophrenia and anorexia. The medical professionals, counsellors, and groups from whom she sought assistance, however, never gave her the title of "caregiver." As such, it took her years to think of herself in this way or discover the resources that search term could unlock.

Today, Kristie is a medical student and an active participant in this community. She wants to help increase awareness and resources for fellow adolescents who are thrust, so often unprepared and unsupported, into the role of caregiver for their family members.

Hear the difficulties a young caregiver faced, caring on her own, including:

• The impact of expanding the narrow definition of "caregiver" to better identify young caregivers
• Where to uncover resources that help reduce the deep sense of isolation The many facets of childhood that are lost to young caregivers
• Strategies for maintaining mental health while balancing childhood and a very adult responsibility

Resources:

• Powerhouse program for young caregivers - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/young-caregivers-2
• Managing expectations - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Managing-Expectations-April-2020-1.pdf
• Episode 11 How to Use Writing for Healing and Self Care - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/podcast/episode-11-how-to-use-writing-for-healing-and-self-care
• Episode 14 Creativity as a Form of Self Care - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/podcast/episode-14-creativity-as-a-form-of-self-care
• Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Line - 1-877-520-3267 (Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4pm PT)
• Connect With Us!

To read a full transcript of each episode, visit the Family Caregivers of BC website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/podcast

Visit us at our office: #6 – 3318 Oak Street, Victoria, BC V8X 1R1 Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Telephone: (250) 384-0408 Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267 Fax: (250) 361-2660 Email: [email protected]

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Thank you!

BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients

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