Real stories

Sometimes it helps to know you’re not alone. There are many young people in the same position as you...

Check out the stories below, written by young people about their experiences.

Anne Marie’s Story

My Mum with Bipolar Disorder

I have never thought of myself as a carer for my mum. She's a very proud and independent woman and would probably despise the thought of anyone looking after her… Read more

Katrina's Story

My Mum with depression

I wrote this story about my family's experience when I was 14, and reflect on it at the very end... Read more

Callandra’s Story

My Mum diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder & OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

I am 20 now, but my story starts around the time I was 12 years old. My mum has mental illness, she has been diagnosed with bipolar and schizophrenia. Both of these… Read more

Heidi’s Story

My Mum with a mental illness

I am an adult now, looking back and seeing the mistakes I made back then. There were four of us.  Myself, the oldest, two younger brothers and a younger sister… Read more

Claire’s Story

My Mum with Bipolar & Anxiety Disorder

My name is Claire and my mother suffers from bipolar and anxiety disorder. She was diagnosed well before I was born, but she only became very sick after giving…  Read more

Josie's Story

My Dad with a mental illness

My Dad has a mental illness. It's normal because I've always lived with it. But it's also been difficult at times because his moods change quickly and most of the time he is... Read more

Jane’s Story

My Mum with Depression

It wasn’t the first time I realised that my mum was unwell, but something happened about halfway through my second year at primary school - something that has reminded… Read more

Matt's Story

My Mum with Bipolar Disorder

Mum has bipolar and has been in hospital several times. Her caseworkers and doctor have told me about her mental illness and I actually know a lot about it now, so it feels okay... Read more

Melissa’s Story

My Mum with Schizophrenia

I am the only child of a single parent whom suffers with schizophrenia. Due to my mother’s illness she lost a lot in her life and become very sad and angry at the world… Read more

Sandy's Story

My Dad with Depression

My dad has depression so it's very stressful - it's hard on the family and hard on me. Sometimes people don't realise that it's not just him that's suffering with what's going on... Read more

Wesley's Story

My Mum with mental illness

When I was eight years old, I don't remember exactly when, I noticed that my mum was different. Her behaviour was different and her attitude was different. Then she went into hospital... Read more