Posted by Dinah on October 17, 2008, at 19:44:08
In reply to Mental Illness in Your...., posted by JayMac on October 17, 2008, at 19:08:08
My mother has some mental illness on her side of the family. Either schizophrenia or bipolar I. I'm not sure which. Two siblings and a niece and nephew. Another sibling with anxiety and depression. Other siblings that appear to be just fine, and maybe even better than fine.
My father's family has a strong family history of alchoholism and other addictions, and while the mental health history isn't well documented, from what I've seen there's major depression and anxiety.
I think it might be hard to find a family of any size without mental health problems.
On the other hand, both my parents themselves show signs of mental illness, although neither sought help. My dad was probably an alchoholic even tho he rarely actually appeared inebriated. But I think he was self medicating for anxiety and especially depression. My mother at the very least has OCD based on her hoarding. But also her grasp on reality is not always that strong.
I wish they had been more open to seeking treatment.
poster:Dinah
thread:857980
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20081005/msgs/857987.html