nathan, 17, SA

Depression and my mum

For the past year my mum has been really upset, had massive mood swings, and attempted suicide. I'm the oldest of three, so for the past couple of years I have taken a lot of responsibility in the family. When you're living with someone that is depressed, it's hard... really hard. In my case, it's overwhelming me and bringing me down too.

Realising that I need help, that I can't do everything on my own, is a big thing for me. I just talked with my school counsellor and he is great about the whole situation. He is going to talk to my teachers, get extensions organised, and even tell teachers not to get on my back if I don't show up for school every now and then. I never thought that was possible! So I've now got support from school which is great, but at the same time it is so hard to manage everything that is going on in this little head of mine.

I tell you what though, surviving Year 12, bringing up my two young sisters, doing the food shopping, cleaning the house, paying bills - all of it is going to make a pretty inspiring story one day. And when that day comes... I know I will get the gratitude and the acknowledgement I've been waiting for.