Meet Lisa: a wife, daughter, sister, mother and carer
Having worked for some time in the aged care sector, Lisa had extensive experience caring for others, however, it was not enough to prepare her for some of the challenges she would face caring for her two children, who both live with autism.
As her children entered their teens, Lisa found herself grappling with increasingly complex issues and unpredictable behaviour, particularly concerning her thirteen-year-old daughter, who had been struggling with mental health issues and questions about her gender identity since the onset of puberty.
These ongoing difficulties, coupled with Lisa’s own health concerns, left her feeling anxious, and always uncertain about what each day might bring.
Asking for help
Asking for help isn’t easy, but when her daughter was hospitalised, Lisa finally accepted she needed some support, and that was when she reached out to Carer Gateway.
“It was help I hadn’t realised I needed,” she said. “I had no idea these services existed, but now that I do, I’m making the most of them – and I really appreciate the support they offer.”
Since connecting with Carer Gateway, Lisa feels more in control of her situation. With the help of Sarina, her Carer Coach, she has developed some effective strategies to help her manage some of the challenges that arise for her daughter.
Importantly, Lisa has now begun to recognise the importance of self-care and of being able to accept support when it is offered.
She has also learned that this is not always easy, saying, “people need to be ready to admit they need help, and for some, this can be a process.”.
“Sarina turned me around; I really connected with her,” said Lisa. “I’ve also been receiving regular counselling and participating in Carer Gateway Peer Support Groups – I’ve found that talking to others in similar circumstances is incredibly helpful.”
These days, Lisa also accesses respite care for two hours each fortnight. This gives her time to do something she enjoys – time to unwind and prioritise her own needs.
Top Tips
“Even after the toughest days, it is important to remember that tomorrow is a new beginning,” says Lisa.
“You might have the worst day and feel like giving up but try to sleep on it – you’ll feel different in the morning.
“And remember, you can’t live in the past; everyone is on their own journey. Allowing others to help you – and accepting that support – is key to navigating these challenges with a little more ease.”
Names have been changed for privacy.
