The physical and mental strain of having to care for a sick family member can have serious consequences on adolescents caregiver, A European study conducted on 2,100 young people caregiver between 15 and 17 years old shows that 14% of them thought about self-harm and more than 10% about hurting others, which in 45% of cases was the same person they cared for.
The study, published in the International Journal of Care and Caring, is part of the project "ME-WE" financed
from the European Union's Horizon 2020 program to offer support to adolescents who have to take care of someone in their daily lives. The countries involved in the study are Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
69% of the children interviewed were cared for by a family member, in most cases a parent. Among Italians, 59% was involved in caring for grandparents. A figure which, according to the researchers, suggests how "in some countries young people are filling the gaps in the elderly care systems".
Caring means helping with household and bureaucratic chores. If there are disabilities or illnesses, the commitment becomes greater and young people can also be asked to dedicate themselves to the intimate care of the patient and, as far as possible, also medical care. A commitment that children must balance with their school duties and with the rest of their activities and activities
typical challenges of adolescence. However, this is not always achieved.
Girls appear to be particularly at risk. The 36% of teenagers caregiver respondents said that their mental health has worsened due to the responsibilities they have to cope with. 17% said his academic performance suffered, and 15% reported being bullied for having to assist someone else.
For the researchers, the results raise urgent concerns about the pressure and impact that caring for a sick person causes on young people, although regarding the thought of harming others they highlight that they have found no evidence to suggest that these young people could actually pose a threat to others.
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