I have bipolar type 2 and the risk of mental illness runs in family, so I’ve decided not to have kids…?
Has anyone else made a similiar decision not to have children because they fear of passing on whatever illness they suffer?
I am also scared that if I was to become pregnant and keep the child, I would have to come of my meds which is my life line to staying mentally healthy…has anyone come off meds successfully and stayed healthy in the above situation?
I am also scared I’d suffer post partum depression and do something to harm myself…
The reality is that bipplar is the type of illness that while I do have periods where I’m stable, when I am in a low state I can’t even look after myself let alone another person, especailly someone as vulnerable as a baby that’ll needs its mother’s complete attention, support and love.
Tagged with: Bipolar • decided • Family • I've • illness • Kids • mental • risk • runs • Type
Filed under: Bipolar Type 2
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I’ve had basically the exact same thoughts.
It sounds as though you are a very responsible female…if you are missing having children may I suggest that you volunteer to work with kids at an agency or school
I admire you for stopping and thinking about what you might pass on to a child; or what you may behave like in one of your episodes. I too am bipolar, and now have 4 kids. My kids don’t seem to be bipolar, however, my mother was, and I believe I have at least one grandchild that is bipolar; she is being checked as we speak.
I didn’t know I was bipolar at the time of this marriage, or when I was having kids, and only knew after they were all raised. So at the time, I didn’t feel there was a need to make any decision whether I should have kids or not.
I wasn’t the worse mom, but neither was I the best. I had bad episodes, and would yell and scream at the kids for a dirty room; I was verbally abusive. When I had my first child, if my Mom had of not been as supportive as she was, that child may not have had a decent baby-hood. She was a beautiful baby, but i was also very depressed after she was born; Mom took her in the day, and I had her at night. But it would have actually been better if I had made the decision you are making now. After my babys were kids, I had manic episodes, and would be up for a week at a time with very little or no sleep. Then I would crash, and couldn’t wake up enough to take care of the kids, or sleep all day while they were in school; then the depression would set in around the time of my period, and I would either cry all the time, or yell all the time, or just sleep.
So I do commend you for the decision you are making.
i understand your reasoning. when you feel you have a great handle on controling your illness you can always adopt or be a foster parent. you can always find a great loving and understanding man who understands your circumstances. i inherited alcoholism from my moms side of the family and i have had ocd since i was seven years old. i have not drank in 13 years and my ocd is under incredible control. noone even knows i have it. my feelings are the same as yours. i mentor 3 kids and i am seeing a girl who has a 7 year old son so the issue with having kids is a non-issue. i could never understand when i see someone on tv with a severe genetic illness go on to have kids, and then they cross thier fingers and hope the child will not develop the ilness. and the tv documentry make the birth mothers choice of having a child sound like such a loving one. it’s selfishness. life is complicated enough, and if we can choose to make it easier then thats a great decision to make. and an unselfish one. i have a client who adopted a son from peru. the boy is 13 now. he has add and bipolar. she is lucky he is a good kid who don’t use drugs and also follows his medications and therapies. the parents of this child must have lived on the street and not cared what happened. now the boy is in this world dealing with a whole host of issues because of his parents being carefree and selfish. good luck to you…john
It takes a lot to notice that you have a problem and knowing who it will effect in the future, keep up your guard and try to stabilize yourself and I think in my opinion that is a wise choice that you are making, I myself am dealing with a spouse who sleeps for 14 hours a day and has harsh mood swings and i feel bad for my 5 kids because it is like she does not participate in any activities for the last 2 years, she don’t drive anymore and is a potato on the couch.
hun listen…are you absolutly sure you want no kids…?post pardum depression is real and it is a huge thing to think about!if you are only worried…try having at least one…if not ready wait until its time….
just remember that kids are a joy!