Supporting family mental health when a child experiences chronic illness

Following on from our last episode, host Nadia Rossi continues her conversation with Nicki, a parent of two young people with chronic health conditions. In this episode, Nicki talks about what the chronic illness journey can mean for siblings, including the big feelings that can come with changes in attention, expectations and family routines.  

Nicki shares some signs that might suggest your children are struggling with the impacts of their sibling’s chronic illness. She discusses the ways chronic illness can shape relationships – with partners, friends and extended family and the value in reaching out early for support. Nicki also emphasises the importance of supporting your child’s wellbeing by looking after your own – and how connection, communication and community can help protect wellbeing in the long term. 

In this episode you will hear: 

• How a child’s chronic illness diagnosis can affect their siblings and ways to support the whole family [00:07:22].

• About ways Nicki supports her son’s wellbeing, including the importance of finding time to look after her own [00:11:28].

• How in moments of isolation, Nicki has found support in relationships and her community [00:18:56].  

Further information and resources

Nurturing wellbeing when a child experiences chronic illness 

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