Will I go schizo too?

Question

I grew up with a schizophrenic uncle. Besides my fear of poverty, he's definitely my second fear. The man is a 45 year old child, loaded on meds. He can't make sense out of the simplest things...like following a conversation. It scares the **** out of me. What if I end up, ignored (very few people have the paticne to listen to crazy people), dependent, and sad (in many ways).
I have a family history of mental instabilities, actually. On my father's side: his brother is a manic depressive, my grandmother suffered from depression,
Now on my mother's side: there are 2 cases of schizopfrnia. my great grandfather's brother was retarded. My grandfather at 1 point of his life had to be hospitalized due to trying to jump off a building.

This stuff worries me. So far, I'm sane. How can I overcome my fear of insanity.

Answer 1

Hi. "What if?" You can come up with any answer you can imagine when you start with "what if?". You are definitely worried about your future and overall health. I don't know how to explain this any other way, so bare with me.

My g/f is a "what if?" person. She can sit and talk for hours about her questions and "what if?" answers. I get frustrated with her because none of it is real! She makes the worse out of any situation. She is creative and worries about the outcome of made up situations. Worry. Worry and more worry! Worrying is like a rocking chair, you sit in it all day, and get nowhere.

However, you are predisposed to mental illness. I think you're safest bet is to speak with your family doctor. Explain you are worried about your future health. Let the doctor know your family history. Both sides of your family. You are still sane :) Maybe there are some tests your doctor can run to ease your mind.

Count your blessings, and best of luck to you.

Answer 2

Well, unfortunately, it is true that you do have a higher change of developing a mental disorder, but that doesn't mean you will. Fearing insanity can actually drive you mad! Definitely not as mad as your uncle, but mad all the same. What can you do? Well, take care of yourself. Pay attention. Develop insight into your own mind. Avoid drug use. There is an ongoing debate about whether or not pot smoking increases your chances of developing schizophrenia especially for those genetically predisposed to it. Then again it could be self medication for the early symptoms. Anyways, basically take care of yourself. Eat right, sleep enough, exercise regularly ect.

One thing that you probably do know, but I think I should mention anyways is that schizophrenia when treated during it's early stages doesn't have to turn you into a babbling social reject. It's also possible that during the early stages you notice in yourself symptoms before anyone else does. If you do notice something unright about your brain, it can't hurt to see a psychologist.

Bipolar disorder and other mood disorders are an entirely different illness and you won't like what I have to say about them.

Answer 3

I too grew up in a family with a long line of mental illness. My grandmother was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression at age 16. Two sisters and her mother also suffered the illness. I have a 2nd cousin who is schizophrenic and a cousin who was diagnosed with a combination of Manic Depression and Schizophrenia. My uncle was Bipolar and comitted suicide 4 years ago. We suspect my brother may suffer from the illness too but refuses to seek treatment.

It has been estimated that 1 in 4 or 25% of children born into a family with mental illness will in turn develop one.

I have suffered from depression since probably my early teens if not before. I was paralyzed with fear in seeking treatment in the event they would tell me I too was Bipolar or something. In my early 20's (I'm 25 now) I finally sought treatment for my depression and was relieved to learn that I most likely did not suffer Bipolar Disorder. My therapist said the majority of people either suffered an episode of mania or hallucintions in their late teens or were diagnosed. She did say that sometimes the disorder can develop in the 30's but is usually a result of drug/alcohol use, or some major trauma or stressor.

I finally came to the realization that if I did indeed have some sort of Manic Depressive Disorder, it would be better to be on medication and in treatment, rather then left to battle it on my own. I had seen the end result of not seeking treatment in the psychotic episode my uncle suffered that claimed his life.

My grandmother led much of a normal life. She did have stays in the hospital when suffering from an episode of mania, (usually every 4 years) but all in all she had very good life so long as her medication was correct. My therapist had a very close friend that suffered from Bipolar Disorder and was a pychiatrist. She is married with 2 children and runs her own practice. She knows how to identify her symptoms and is able to check herself into the hospital before an episode escalates.

I suggest you find a therapist in your area that you can voice your fears too. He/she can the discuss then possibility and or probability of you having such an illness. I hope all goes well, and that your fears can be laid to rest.

Answer 4

If it's genetic it's not something you can get away from. Just because it runs in your family doesn't mean you'll have any problems. However, most things can be successfully treated so you can live a normal life. I may be on meds the rest of my life, but I feel fine right now and I'm bipolar.

Answer 5

Having family members with mental illnesses does not mean your fate is sealed.
You don't say how old you are, but most people with Schizophrenia can be diagnosed while they are in their teens.