The family connection......

One of the reasons that I believe in the biochemical and genetic basis for mental illness is a little piece of my family history.  As you know, my Mom was severely and chronically mentally ill.  Although never formally diagnosed, I have heard medical professionals guess that she might have been living with schizophrenia.  Or with psychotic depression.  In any case, her condition was debilitating.  But what clinches it for me is the fact that Maxine's mother spent much of her life in a mental hospital.  Maxine was placed in foster care at three years old after her mother was hospitalized with some type of mental illness and her Dad couldn't care for her.  Maxine never again lived with her birth family. The next contact Maxine had with her Mom was a visit to the mental hospital when she was eighteen years of age.  Maxine told me that her birth mother died in that mental institution.  At the time that she shared this history with me, my Mom was already dealing with her own illness.  I wasn't able to find out any other details.  She was a poor historian.

So, were my struggles based on the power of suggestion?  Did I have depression because I thought that was my genetic destiny?  I don't think so.  I think I had depression because I was genetically predisposed.  Luckily for me, while my depression has had an impact on my life, it wasn't as debilitating as what Maxine and her Mom dealt with.  Can you relate to this discussion?  Have you been told stories about family members who weren't 'quite right' or were even diagnosed?  Do you remember a relative that had problems that indicate mental illness?  It can be helpful in understanding your own experience to see the patterns.  In looking at your family members, you might come to a greater understanding of your own life.  And with that understanding, you might be able to let go of shame.  Which can lead to recovery.  If you let it....

Finding recovery for me was based on taking blame out of the equation.  I'm not weak.  I'm not a failure.  I'm not stupid.  I have an illness.  And I'm entirely capable of finding the treatment to make my life the best it can be.  In spite of my illness.  Managing mental illness is very similar to managing physical illness.  Attitude and motivation matter.  But blame prevents that.  It keeps you stuck.  I always support people who are actively exploring the toolbox.  What works for you?  Medicine, prayer, therapy?  Natural remedies, meditation, exercise?  Support groups?  How can you improve your life in spite of illness?  Can exploring and understanding your family history assist in the process of finding a solution?  What do you think?  Let's talk!