My mother has schizophrenia and depression. Will I also have it? 😓

[Dsdiva95]

Tensed and worried

[Lostjoy]

Hi Dsdiva95,

No just because your mother has it doesn’t mean you will. My Mother is schizophrenic. She’s been in and out of mental hospitals since I can remember. I have 6 siblings all who are over 50 now and not one of us has showed signs of schizophrenia. My sisters and I do suffer from depression, and anxiety at times, but for me mine is situational, and I’ve only suffered this last year. I had some pretty dramatic life changes that started it for me.

I used to worry through my younger years that I would develop schizophrenia due to my Mom having it. My siblings and I have talked to many of my Moms Dr.s about this issue. They’ve all pretty much said if we were going to develop it we would have shown signs in our late teens.

I don’t know how old you are, or what issues you are having if any, but I hope this helps put your mind at ease.

[Dsdiva95 in reply to Lostjoy]

I'm 23 year's old. I've been through depression and I've got pure o OCD symptoms now and I' got it due to too much of stress in college and at home and I'm on medication as well as taking therapy for it. I'm worried because I've read somewhere that 2 or 1 % of people having OCD develop symptoms of schizophrenia. My grandmom and my psychiatrist and counsellor told me that I don't have schizophrenia. I'm still worried though

[Dsdiva95 in reply to Lostjoy]

I've got anxiety too :{

[Lostjoy in reply to Dsdiva95]

Anxiety is the tough one for me. It’s almost like I refuse to accept it, so it makes it worse.

If you had schizophrenia you would be hearing voices. You are above the age mark for developing symptoms. But I can understand why you are still questioning it. Anxiety can cause our minds to believe the worst, even though you’ve been told by more than one person that you do not have it.

I do think those of us who have mental illness in our genes are more prone to developing depression and anxiety and maybe even ocd when faced with stressful situations.

I’ve handled stressful times through my life pretty well until this last year. I think menopause and a few more factors are the straw that broke the camels back for me.

I believe the issues you have can be managed. I know that having a schizophrenic parent in itself can be quite challenging. Do you have any siblings?

[Dsdiva95 in reply to Lostjoy]

I understand your situation and condition. Anxiety is one big bitch😐 I'm sorry :{ seriously I end up crying due to the negative thoughts I get due to pure o OCD and anxiety is one important factor behind this. Yes I've got a younger brother. Depression comes along with anxiety and they both mess up the mind and emotions

[Lostjoy]

Yes they do. And I agree anxiety is a bitch. I also cry at times when my thoughts take over. I couldn’t cry for a long time when I first ended up with this crap. It was worse. Now that I cry often I find that I feel some relief in letting out my frustration.

I actually think it’s better to cry than to hold it in.

It’s great you are in therapy, and taking meds. If your childhood was anything like mine with a schizophrenic Mother then therapy will hopefully help you get to the core of your issues so you can deal with them and move on.

You’ve probably had to be the strong one to hold things together since your brother is younger. I know my older Sister was always the one to take care of things. It’s made her tough, but I know she has some resentment for having to be an adult when she was really just a kid herself.

[Dsdiva95 in reply to Lostjoy]

Crying feels good but not anymore. You're strong too and you've been very mighty to handle all this. I never saw the violent side of my mother much though. My brother has seen it. He's strong too. I'm glad that I'm here and you've been helpful yes I'm taking meds and therapy. I thought it was important for my mental well being and my father has been through a lot as he didn't knew my mother's this condition. I don't want to be a burden on anyone.

[Lostjoy in reply to Dsdiva95]

I’m glad you found this forum for support also. It has helped me greatly.

And I’m glad to hear I have been of some help to you.

Anytime you want to chat I am here. Well I’m not always on here, but I will reply when I can.

Hope you are feeling good today.

[Dsdiva95 in reply to Lostjoy]

Thank you so much :")