No matter what stage of life you are in, caring for ill or disabled parents is an emotionally taxing challenge. Although extensive literature discusses how caregiving affects the health and well-being of spouses, partners, and parents, there's limited knowledge regarding the impact on young adults in caregiving situations.
The ages of 18-25 are critical in one’s development into adulthood. In this stage, young adults move from their teenage years to develop their identity and autonomy, often taking on more responsibilities in their personal lives and making decisions for their futures. This “emerging adulthood” time is also marked by the breaking away from parental roles towards more self-determination. Here at CTWPS, we have supported a number of younger women under the age of 35 that have taken on an unusually intense caretaking role with their ill parents.
In a 2017 study by Julie Moberg, the children of individuals with multiple sclerosis were interviewed and analyzed to find the lasting impact caring for their parents had on them. Moberg found that many individuals felt worried and guilty about their parents and caregiving abilities. By and large, the young adults experienced restraint, holding back from sharing their emotions and needs, aiming to shield their parents from additional worry or burden caused by their own sadness or issues. For many study participants, these acts of restraint carried over to their other personal relationships. Participants needed a level of maturity and self-reflection to identify and articulate their own emotions, and a significant number continued to face challenges in asserting themselves, even into young adulthood.
If you are someone who is caring for an ill parent, we can help you develop effective coping strategies to manage the commitment, stress, emotional burden, and complexities of caregiving. There is no good reason to go it alone!
If you or someone you know is struggling,
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