Posted by Noa on December 7, 2000, at 16:41:10
In reply to Re: Fear of passing mental illness gene to kids, posted by Ted on December 7, 2000, at 14:28:17
Hi, this is a big issue, one that is brought up here every once on a while, with very different opinions from different people.
I understand the fear, but I also feel that it is not certain that a child you might have would necessarily be doomed to suffer. First of all, new treatments are developing. Second of all, you would be sensitive to the potential for illness, and could monitor how the child is doing, ready to intervene appropriately as needed. Also, early treatment could possibly mediate how severe or chronic the course of illness could be.
A gene in and of itself isn't everything. It is something, but not everything. If my depression had been treated adequately early on, I would probably not have developed such a chronic illness, and wouldn't have struggled so much just trying to keep up with life, which itself has added to my depression problems.
Each of us needs to make the decision about this that is right for us, but I would encourage you to keep the book open. You are young, and this gives you time. Perhaps treatments 5 or ten years from now will make you feel more optimistic about the idea of having kids. Perhaps you will be in a place in your life where you have solid supports built in for you that would help you feel more ready for dealing with a child who might need that something extra. Who knows.
poster:Noa
thread:3494
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20001117/msgs/3502.html