Being a young carer can often have a significant impact on a young person’s mental health. The Children’s Society found that many young carers say they are stressed, tired, down, and hold low opinions about themselves. Lots of young carers have shared that they don’t want to worry other people with how they are feeing (29). In addition, friends and family might not understand a young carer’s responsibilities and there’s rarely support in place for them. Carers Trust report that there are gaps in support and barriers that prevent young carers from accessing the support that they need (30).
Disability and physical illness Why can this be a risk factor?
Disability, or physical illness that restricts life choices or causes physical pain, is likely to put a person at greater risk of poor mental health. People living with a disability are also more likely to face
discrimination and exclusion. What do we need to know?
Mental and physical health are inextricably linked, and they are likely to impact each other. There are extra pressures that physical disability or limited mobility can bring. These include limited accessibility and societal barriers, potentially leading to social isolation and low self-esteem. This can contribute to the development of poor mental health in young people. Evidence suggests that poor mental health may be higher in people with a learning disability than in those without, and this is true for young people as well. There are specific risks associated with poor mental health in people with learning disabilities, for example: genetics, potentially higher incidence of negative life events, access to less support and fewer coping skills, stigma, and discrimination (31). Deaf young people are more likely to be isolated, bullied, or abused. Most deaf young people are placed in mainstream schools
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