My husband and I have been talking about having children, but we both have a family history of mental illness. My uncle and grandfather both suffered from schizophrenia, as did other distant relatives, and my uncle took his own life when he was a teenager. My husband has depression and alcoholism in his family, and he is on medication for depression. I'm worried that if we have kids we're going to end up with a child who is depressed, schizophrenic or suicidal.
Any advice?
Hello Jennie,
As was said, talk it over with your doctor.
I know mothers and fathers with schizophrenia who are warm, loving parents. One person's daughter developed a mental illness, yet is doing well. The other person has a young school-age son who so far is doing well.
Diagnosed with schizophrenia, I chose not to have kids because I didn't want to briing into the world a child who could have schizophrenia.
If it's something you'd consider, you could adopt.
The key to a successful recovery is early intervention and treatment. If you are loving and giving and your son or daughter developed a mental illness, you'd maybe be in a better position to provide for him or her.
The truth is though, it's a big risk. One I chose not to take.
Could you possible fulfill your need for a family in other ways, such as taking in foster kids or babies in need?
Or maybe by volunteeering your time with Big Brothers/Big Sisters or the Boys and Girls Town?
Let us know how it goes.
All the best,
Chri
Hi Jennie,
This is a tough one. You can read a bit more about schizophrenia here, the causes and risk factors. There is some thought that you are more likely to develop schizophrenia if you have a family member with the illness. In a news article by Steven Reinberg, HEalthday reporter, that schizophrenia has been tied to multiple genetic factors. There is also some thought being given to the research that suggests that a child born of a mother who experiences alot of stress through the pregnancy is more likely to develop schizophrenia later in life. You can read the full article here.
While online resources are good sources for information, they can not and should not take the place of your doctor's advice. Sit down with your doctor and husband, explain your fears to the doctor, and see what he/she says?
Take care and stay in touch. Let us know what you decide!!
Vicki M
Who knows? That is why I decided to go ahead and have children. Both of my parents suffer from schizophrenia and I was/ am a little terrified for my children. From what I have read the risks are very low. If you are both emotionally and financially stable then it is probably safe to have children and expect them to turn out very normal.
What I try to do already with my toddler is teach him how to deal with life's problems as they come. It is very important to me that he learns how to cope with his emotions and act upon them appropriately. I let him work out his own problems on the playground, but at the same time I am there to comfort him when he needs it. My grandparents raised me similarly and I think that contributes to why I haven't followed in my parents footsteps, genetics aside.
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