I'm 23 - was 18 when my mum was diagnosed.
Hi Laura,
I'm 23 - as you may have guessed from our usernames I'm Annie who has already replied on here's sister, so you already know a bit about our situation. Our mum was a similar age to yours when she was diagnosed - I was 18.
As Annie mentioned I have seen a counsellor -I found that really helpful. I think it's really important to be able to talk to people and be honest about how you're feeling. Sometimes I felt angry and felt like I didn't care about my Mum anymore. It took talking to people to realise that a) I wasn't bad for feeling like that and b) that I did still care desperately - I was just trying to shut her out to make it easier. Spend time with your Mum but don't feel bad if you get frustrated. Don't feel bad about asking for help - tell someone you trust at school or uni or work so if you have a bad week or things get tough you've already explained and the support is already there.
Look after each other as a family - laugh when you can. I cherish how strong we have become as a unit through this and that is something we will never lose.
I don't think you're ever ready to lose a parent, but it's so hard when you're still growing up and haven't established your life and there's so much they'll miss. I sometimes am so angry and jealous with people, even friends, who don't seem to appreciate how lucky they are to have their mums still. (especially on day's like Mother's Day). Sometimes it's so hard to have to be responsible all the time.
If there was anything specific you wanted to ask about feel free.
Caroline
Hi Laura,
I'm 23 - as you may have guessed from our usernames I'm Annie who has already replied on here's sister, so you already know a bit about our situation. Our mum was a similar age to yours when she was diagnosed - I was 18.
As Annie mentioned I have seen a counsellor -I found that really helpful. I think it's really important to be able to talk to people and be honest about how you're feeling. Sometimes I felt angry and felt like I didn't care about my Mum anymore. It took talking to people to realise that a) I wasn't bad for feeling like that and b) that I did still care desperately - I was just trying to shut her out to make it easier. Spend time with your Mum but don't feel bad if you get frustrated. Don't feel bad about asking for help - tell someone you trust at school or uni or work so if you have a bad week or things get tough you've already explained and the support is already there.
Look after each other as a family - laugh when you can. I cherish how strong we have become as a unit through this and that is something we will never lose.
I don't think you're ever ready to lose a parent, but it's so hard when you're still growing up and haven't established your life and there's so much they'll miss. I sometimes am so angry and jealous with people, even friends, who don't seem to appreciate how lucky they are to have their mums still. (especially on day's like Mother's Day). Sometimes it's so hard to have to be responsible all the time.
If there was anything specific you wanted to ask about feel free.
Caroline