Father was bipolar, will I eventually end up in an Institution?

Question

My entire bloodline on both sides of family have serious issues with drug/alcohol addiction and psycological malfuntion. Is it really hereditary and do I have a chance? Or do I just commit myself already and hope for the best?

P.S. My father was in an institution and eventually committed suicide.

Answer 1

These things are hereditary but that does not mean you are going to have these same problems. In regards to the drug and alcohol problems, simply do not ever imbibe and you cut your risk factor down to zero. If you never put it into your body you can not become addicted to it. You may have been born an alcoholic or a drug addict but it is the actual placing of the substance into your body which will trigger activation of the disease. So, you have absolute control over this area of your families problems.

Now, the bipolar and other physiological problems are something you will need to keep conscience of on a daily basis. Read up on each of the problems afflicting your family and you will be able to take quick action and obtain the help needed to not sink deeply into one of these diseases. By being aware and educated you can reduce the harm one of these can inflict on your life with monitoring and quick action. Remember, these can be insidious, and you may not wish to allow yourself to acknowledge one is emerging as they can initially feel good. But if you are diligent and aware and ready to take action regardless of how good it feels you should be just fine. You are to be applauded for your concern and reaching out for answers. Keep up the good work.

Answer 2

You're already aware of the drug & alcohol issues in your genetic. Don't start and you'll never have a problem with it...stay 100% away from any drugs or alcohol. As far a bi-polar disorder goes...because it is in your genetic...you are prone to it (prone...not definately going to have a problem)...as well as many other MILD mental disorders that stem from it (neurosis, compulsive disorders, anti-social behavors...etc.). As long as you know there is a disorder in your background, you should be able to recognise a problem if there ever is a problem within yourself. You can curb these disorders with therapy and/or medications IF you ever feel there is something wrong. Just remember...as you probably already know...bi-polar disorder is not a disease that you can catch as the first poster stated. It is usually a mild and very treatable neurological condition. You'll be fine.

Answer 3

Not every bipolar ends up in an institution.Hey, medicine has been improving which means if you by any chance become bipolar you' ll have the means to face it. Don't get panic. Just talk to a therapist or a psychologist to give you some professional advice.You can also ask the same question in the mental health category.There are some people who know some webs that can help you.

Answer 4

You are a unique individual. You have all the chance in the world of living a happy and fulfilling life.

Mental illness is a combination of heredity and environment. Your genetic makeup and personal experiences are unique and different compared to others in your family. So, you are not destined to have the same outcome.

On the bright side, our society is beginning to understand and accept mental illness. Treatments are available and many people with bipolar (and other disorders) live meaningful and productive lives. Not everyone with a mental illness needs to be confined to an institution.

On another note, there are support groups for individuals who have family members struggling with alcoholism and mental illness. Sometimes a loved ones illness can cause us to struggle with our own self-worth and conception of reality.

I wish you all the success in the world.


For support coping with a loved one's alcoholism: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/

For a list of support groups for friends & family of people with bipolar disorder:
http://www.bpso.org/

(Note: scroll down to the last two words in the second paragraph...click on the words "support page" and the link will lead you to the appropriate place).

Answer 5

Of course you have a chance at a normal life. My husband is bipolar and we are raising 3 children together with no problems. Just because someone is a Manic-Depressant doesn't mean they will be commited.

And you don't "catch" it like the guy above said. It will either have it when you're born or it can develope as you age. And it's not a "fatal Disease", either..... you won't die from it. It's a chemical imbalance in your brain. Please read more about it. Check out these sites.....

http://www.isitreallydepression.com/mini_c/isitreallydepression/link/depvsbpolar.asp

http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.bipolar.html

http://www.geocities.com/kricketskorner/manic.html

Answer 6

Just because someone in your family has Bi-Polar Disorder doesn't mean you'll automatically get it.

And even if you do, that still doesn't mean you'll have to be institutionalized. Bi-Polar is easily treated with simple medication. My guess is no one in your family did anything about their conditions. Drinking your problems away only makes them worse. Never start drinking. It's horrible and it will ruin your life; especially if alcoholism runs in your family.

Answer 7

With today's medications and therapies not likely. You have the advantage of know their history and will be more alert to potential changes in mood and behavior. Chances are you'll have a fabulous life. Enjoy!

Answer 8

of course you have chances---first of all remember that--you have choices--you are in control of yourself no matter what certain "evil" influences may try to make you believe--a big problem is we get too wrapped up in our own thoughts and use drugs as a futile means of avoiding them--I feel J. Krishnamurti had the best means of dealing with the self-destructive mind--please look him up--I been there myself and it really helps--
good "luck"

Answer 9

I say its in the bloodline, you do have a change though. Research it you can keep yourself from catching such a fatal disease.

Answer 10

you could be fine. or you could not. but it's 100% up to you.