The hidden lives of young carers

Childhood and adolescence are often thought of as times for learning, growing, and gradually becoming more independent. For many young people, however, life includes responsibilities that go far beyond what is typically expected for their age. These young people are often known as young carers.

A young carer is someone under the age of 25 who helps care for a family member or friend who may be living with illness, disability, mental health challenges, or substance dependency. While caring for a loved one can come from a place of compassion and love, the responsibilities involved can sometimes feel overwhelming for a young person still navigating their own development.

Young carers are more common than many people realise, yet their experiences often go unseen or unspoken.

What does being a young carer mean?

Young carers may take on a wide range of responsibilities within their family. These can include practical tasks, emotional support, or helping to manage daily routines. For some young people, caring duties may be occasional, while for others they can be a significant and regular part of everyday life.

Examples of what a young carer might do include:

• helping with household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or shopping
• supporting a parent or family member with medical needs
• looking after younger siblings
• providing emotional comfort to a family member who is struggling
• managing responsibilities at home that might normally be handled by an adult

While these roles can build maturity and empathy, they can also place a considerable amount of pressure on a young person.

The emotional impact of caring at a young age

Young carers often develop resilience, responsibility, and compassion. However, the emotional weight of caring can sometimes lead to challenges that are not always visible to others.

Young carers may experience:

• stress or anxiety about the well-being of the person they care for
• feelings of guilt if they spend time away from home
• difficulty balancing school, friendships, and responsibilities
• tiredness or exhaustion from juggling multiple roles
• feeling different from their peers

Many young carers also try to protect their family’s privacy, which means they may not talk openly about their situation. As a result, they can sometimes feel isolated or misunderstood.

Balancing school, social life, and responsibilities

One of the biggest challenges for young carers can be balancing their responsibilities at home with school life and friendships. Homework, exams, and social activities can feel difficult to manage alongside caring duties.

Some young carers may worry about leaving the person they care for alone, while others may feel pressure to keep up with expectations at school despite limited time or energy.

Over time, this balancing act can affect concentration, confidence, and overall well-being. Without support, young carers may begin to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about how to manage everything they are carrying.

How therapy can help

Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for young carers to talk openly about their experiences. Having somewhere to express feelings without judgment can be incredibly valuable, especially for young people who are used to putting others’ needs first.

A therapist can help young carers explore their thoughts and emotions, recognise the pressures they may be under, and develop healthy ways to manage stress.

Through therapy, young carers can:

• talk openly about their experiences and feelings
• learn ways to manage stress and anxiety
• develop confidence in expressing their own needs
• understand that their well-being is just as important as the person they care for
• build emotional resilience and coping strategies

Sometimes simply being heard and understood can make a significant difference.

Supporting identity and personal growth

Young carers often take on adult-like responsibilities at an early age. While this can lead to strong life skills, it is also important that young people have space to explore their own identity, interests, and goals.

Therapy can support young carers in reconnecting with their own needs and aspirations. It can help them recognise that caring for someone else does not mean they must neglect their own well-being or personal development.

By creating a space where they can reflect on their experiences, young carers can begin to find a healthier balance between supporting others and caring for themselves.

Moving toward balance and support

Being a young carer can bring both challenges and strengths. Many young carers develop empathy, responsibility, and emotional awareness that stay with them throughout life. However, no young person should feel that they must manage everything alone.

With the right support, young carers can learn ways to care for others while also protecting their own mental and emotional well-being. Schools, families, and mental health professionals all play an important role in recognising and supporting young carers.

If you or someone you know is a young carer, reaching out for support can be an important step. Therapy offers a safe and understanding environment where experiences can be shared openly and without judgment.

Every young person deserves the chance to feel supported, valued, and understood. By creating space to talk about the realities of caring, therapy can help young carers move toward greater balance, confidence, and well-being.