‘It doesn’t matter how hard things are,you just keep going’ – the experiences of adult women who grew up as carers for parents experiencing psychosis-related difficulties

Abstract

A significant number of children fulfil a young carer role for parents experiencing mental health difficulties. Young carer research highlights children’s experiences of responsibility and role reversal. This study investigated the retrospective experiences of female young carers for a parent with psychosis-related difficulties, which may pose unique and specific challenges. Seven adults who grew up with a parent experiencing psychosis were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were completed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings are reported in two parts relating firstly to the retrospective accounts of experiences during childhood; and secondly, the current journey of sense-making. Four central themes were constructed, namely: ‘Caring was lonely and uncertain, but there were some connections’, ‘ Learning how to be the parent while still a child’, ‘It felt natural, but still difficult to understand’ and ‘Gaining empathy and resilience, while experiencing an ongoing impact’. Clinical implications include the importance of family-focused interventions and an understanding that the impact of offering this support continues into adulthood.