I grew up with brother with learning disability, Amukela, he is bio polar, suffers from severe depression. Growing up in Zimbabwe, a country a non functioning health care, as the older brother, parent divorced, It was my responsible to take care of him. I put on hold my life of take care of him. This was a challenge with no support structure, especially the bad time when he will go the deep end and i will not know what to do with him. The hospital was not much help, upon admission, they did even not care plan in place. He got worse with every hospital visit.
After every low they is a high .... my mum called it the bearable or normal period, where he more responsive and I could get through to him, these are moment that gave me strength, refueled me and showed that all my efforts were worth it . I learnt that and still learning that most time I just needed to put myself in his shoes and understand his sense and show show him love.
At that time I was working as a Marketing and Public Relation Offer, parttime for a group of colleges and schools. My job allowed me to work from home and take care of Amu. I decided have a career change, being a social worker, a carer. This crazy decision, at the time, have allowed to raise awareness and help, most parent understand learning disability and give the practical means to deal with theirs kids. I have grown in the role and i feel I am blessed with the impact I have made.
With a love and suport we can all go long way