Tuesday, May 19, 2009 Siobhan asks

Q: What percentage of kids getting Bi Polar when it is on both sides of the family, Especially the Mom.

I have Bi Polar 1 and depression. Depression is on my side of the family primarly. On my husband side is depression and Bi Polar 3 (manic depressive.) My Daughter was diagonisd with Bi Polar when she was a teen after years of going through yrs of moodiness. She has been off meds for about 3 yrs and she is doing great. My Son is showing signs of Bi Polar now. He is 27. I have no contact with my kids as they do not want anything to do with me. I still have a close relationship with my ex. I was very close to my son for 25 years until he got married and had a baby. My Daughter has been pushing me away over a 8 year period. I have been suffering because of my kids treatment towards me. I was a Mom who was always there for her kids. I am so upset and depressed about my situation. Especially with my son. My Mom, asked me where did I get Bi Polar and BPD, as no one in her family had it? I feel like an outcast in my own family.

- A
- A
- A

Answers (2)

nonethewiser

5/19/09 6:08pm

Hi Siobhan...I think the odds are very high. My mom suffered with depression. My aunt suffered with manic depression....which is the same as bipolar. I know that neither received helpfor it. I have suffered since I was a child. Unfortunately wasn't diagnosed until I was in my 40's, I am now 52.

I am deeply sorry about your children not wanting to have a relationship with you. I know all about this, and it is very heart breaking. I have a on again off again with my daughter. But my two sons have not had anything to do with me for over ten years.

I was a horrible mother. I believe this is because of not knowing I was ill. So I didn't know there was med's to take. I didn't even know there was a name to go with it. This pass Sunday the 17th was my youngest sons birthday, he just turned 32. It's a hurt that will never go away. But I believe this is also what he thinks too. Were just seeing two different sides of the coin.

If I had known what I had, and the damage it would have done...I am not sure if I would have had children.

I wish the best for you. Don't give up trying to have a relationship with your children. Just don't press them. Let them know that your there for them.

LadyBehindTheMask

5/24/09 9:49pm

Siobhan, if one parent has bipolar disorder, the odds statistically that a child will develop bipolar disorder are 27% according to E. Fuller Torrey (2001). A 2006 book puts the odds at only 11-15%, but doesn't cite its research source (Albrecht & Herrick, 100 Q&A about Bipolar Disorder).

I'm sorry that your family is excluding you. We found NAMI's Family to Family class was very helpful in understanding the issues that challenged us. It could be helpful for your children if they wanted to take it.

Blessings to you all.

Q: What percentage of kids getting Bi Polar when it is on both sides of the family, Especially the Mom.

Related Questions

Ask a Question