A carer's story

Dawn, a carer who lives in Gillingham, Kent, found out the hard way that there is help available. Read about what it’s like for Dawn being a carer:

Dawn’s story

“It was only about a year ago that I had to admit I couldn’t cope without help anymore,” said the 45-year-old mother of three. “I was practically suicidal. In fact, my body had almost shut down. I couldn’t eat anything.”

So what caused Dawn to completely break down?

“I have had depression, off and on, since the age of 17. Then my son, Peter, was diagnosed with dyspraxia and Asperger’s syndrome at the age of eight.

“After this, Peter had a very difficult childhood. He could be quite violent, especially towards his sisters. Then the strain of looking after him, I feel, contributed to the breakdown of my marriage, seven years ago.

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