I just learned my mother was abused ... could that explain?

Question

My mother has always been a little off society's norm. But recently I learned that she was abused my grandmother (who died before I was born ... and I have no real idea what happened). Her main problem is that she kind of spouts off at the mouth. She will often slip out obsenties and sometimes disgusting and R-rated things. She also has emotional problems and has a hard time dealing with a lot of emotional stress and I can see it really gets to her. And she also is angered easily in these situations. She really despises the city that we live in, and longs for the country. She can definitely function in the social world but does definitely not like spending too much time around people.

I really feel bad for her now.

Also my aunt, who was beautiful in high school, is now extremely overweight and is schizophrenic and bipolar.

Could this all stem from the grandmother that I never knew?

I wonder how my dad puts up with some of her rants. Earlier in my life, I wondered if they were staying together just because of me.

She has definitely gotten better from my younger childhood though.

Answer 1

Yes ,I believe that is the reason for your mothers mood swings and her-spouting off.She is UN-consciously venting her frustration so that her inner self will feel better.It is harmless and that is how she copes with her unfortunate past.Sit down and try to talk with her,let her do most of the talking,just lend an ear.She will love you for this I am sure.Kinda happened to me this situation of yours.Good luck,and best wishes to you both.

Answer 2

Your unknown grandmother could explain alot of things that are directly affecting your life now. Your mothers rants, and your aunts problems...but you could only guess...you never knew her, and how she abused your mother...(hitting, verbal, other) or maybe you do but didn't specify.

Schitzophrenia is mostly genetic, but it can be developed over time, from abuse, but is more rare. And bipolar disorder can be sprung by stress, not only genetic factors:

For mental, emotional and environmental issues, stressful life events are thought to be the main element in the development of bipolar disorder. These can range from a death in the family to the loss of a job, from the birth of a child to a move. It can be pretty much anything, but it cannot be precisely defined, since one person's stress may be another person's piece of cake.
With that in mind, research has found that stressful life events can lead to the onset of symptoms in bipolar disorder. However, once the disorder is triggered and progresses, "it seems to develop a life of its own." Once the cycle begins, psychological and/or biological processes take over and keep the illness active(2).

It is a possibility that your grandmother caused some of the turmoil in your family's life, but unless you get some history, you can just guess.

Answer 3

Yes it could, but the mental illnesses you mentioned tend to have a genetic link too.

Answer 4

That could explain it