my dad is a patient, if it is, how can i avoid it?
2006-09-22 11:56:18 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Yes, it is hereditary but you'd be more susceptible if your Mom were the patient. If you were male your chances would be higher.
But be happy and give Dad lots of love and support. You'll be fine.
2006-09-22 12:14:03 · answer #1 · answered by serious 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm bipolar, and I have done a TON of research, so I'll help you the best I can. Bipolar disorder is inherited. The rule of thumb is that if no one in your family has it, you probably don't either. By family this includes your aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. I know that both sides of my family have history of mental illness including bipolar disorder. Really, you can't avoid getting it. But the good thing is that because you're aware of it, you can get help before it gets bad. First, do your research. Find out symptoms, and compare yourself to these. Don't panic if you have a couple of these symptoms. Ask those you trust to help you, have them tell you if you start to get moody, or volatile. Keeping a journal is key! Even if it's just a quick note about what you accomplished that day, and how you feel. Simple sentence or two will help you to look back and see if there's a pattern. Keep in touch with your doctor, and share your concerns. Just make sure that you are aware of yourself. There are also different types of Bipolar Disorder. Type 1, 2, or rapid cycle. For me I don't get really "manic" I tend to be more depressed, and when I am manic, I just get energetic, not like way out there and crazy. It was hard to tell with me, but in retrospect, I can see when it started to really "kick-in", and when it started to get better. For me it's been just over 2 years and for about 6 months now I've been on the same 2 meds (abnormally low doses of both) and I'm doing really well. So, you can't avoid it, but just be aware of it. The best advice I can offer is no matter how bad you feel, I mean really, really, really bad, just remember that you WILL feel better, and be "normal". It's just hard to remember that and keep going until then. Hope this helps you!
2006-09-22 12:12:57 · answer #2 · answered by Melissa, That's me! 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First off, if you do develop it, then you know what to expect and how to take care of yourself. Second off, while mental illness can be hereditary, it doesn't always show up as the same illness in every generation. Your dad may be BP, and you may develop a panic or anxiety disorder, but you may not have any problems at all. Just keep in mind that it's possible for someone with mental illness to live a pretty normal life, so don't consider it a death sentence if you do have it. It's not like he's got a hereditary cancer, you know.
2006-09-22 13:59:48 · answer #3 · answered by Angela M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it can be. You can't avoid it from happening. However, you may not even activate that gene. Keep being honest, stay away from alcohol ( It can bring out the gene ) and drugs. Be aware and if you notice signs ( Depression, anxiety, euphoria, sleeplessness) talk to a therapist. Emotional health and physical well being are your keys. You may not develop bipolar, but if you do, you can manage your life very well.
2006-09-22 12:06:18 · answer #4 · answered by warandpeace 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone in my family has that, except me. I survived a life-changing experience that make me really appreciate life & kind of go down a one-way street now.
My dad was smoking marijuana & stuff before he got married, I think my mom did the same. My brother, I know he did some since I was there (he is my twin brother so we had a lot of the same friends in highschool).
My sister just has it & she has been drug free, I think light on the alcohol.
My parents, my brother & my sister all have bi-polar. My uncle is a freak & always drunk (he thought nobody saw he was drinking quite a lot of beer at Thanksgiving). I think my cousin is bi-polar just b/c of the way she looks & acts. Everybody in my immediate family has it under control, except my sister (I really feel bad for her).
Do not do any kind of drugs, have good friends, exercise... one life to live so do not waste it (my bro & sis were stuck in the hospital for a while).
2006-09-22 13:30:39 · answer #5 · answered by Nick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think like most doctors will tell you that the brain is very complicated and they make guesses. Every year new things are learned and then SOMEONE else proves them wrong. Don't let anyone scare you.go to Alta Vista and type in bipolar. that's where i went to read up on it.
2006-09-22 12:17:18 · answer #6 · answered by gormom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Studies have shown that mental illness is hereditary.
However, you don't always get exactly what the parent has.
I have a friend who's mother is schizophrenic, but he is not.
Just keep your mental health in check and if you start feeling depressed or manic, see a Dr. and get help.
2006-09-22 11:58:58 · answer #7 · answered by Dolphin lover 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is believed to be hereditary. Sorry to tell you but you can't avoid it any more than you can avoid blue eyes or being 5' tall if that is how your body is programmed.
Good luck!
2006-09-22 12:00:30 · answer #8 · answered by elk312 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You might not inherit it. It's like a one in four chance that you will, I think. I was diagnosed four years ago and I am fine. It's really not that bad if you take your medicine and get enough sleep and go to a therapist and psychiatrist once in awhile.
2006-09-22 12:10:03 · answer #9 · answered by Lorraine_us 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
U Cant. At least IDT that you can. Just take ur meds if u find out that u r 2 anr u'll be fine.
2006-09-22 11:58:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋