Posted by JayMac on October 17, 2008, at 19:08:08
I don't know if this topic is too sensitive for some of you, as it can be for me, but I'm curious if any of you (or how many of you may be the better question) have mental illness in your family?
According to research, there is genetic component to many of the mental illnesses. I'm curious about your own family's history. You do not need to say it's your mom or uncle that has such and such, but I find interest in this topic.
By the way, I hate using the term "mental illness." To me, the term mental illness sounds like major depression disorder or Borderline Personality or OCD or mental retardation is a disease that can be caught. For the moment, I'm not sure of a better term. Please understand that I do not intend to undermine, nor do I intend to offend, ANYONE'S diagnosis (family, yourself, or anyone). I find the DSM to be a very useful tool, but it is by no means the only factor in determining someone's diagnosis and treatment. I used to basically idol its labels, but I've come to find that I resent the righteousness it promotes in people's need to be right. With maturity, experience, and the wisdom of my beloved T, I see people as people, diagnosis is secondary to being human.
Lol....Sidenote, I used a diagnostic term a couple weeks ago, and my T literally said, "That's bull sh*t!!!" She said, diagnosis does not the complete picture of a *person* and that she is MUCH more interested in one's inner world of feelings, thoughts, fantasies and unconscious and *what it FEELS like to be a person with particular symptoms*.
I feel like I have written more than I needed to, but I just want to know how many of you have noticed the genetic component.
Please do not feel obligated to respond. For some, or many, of you I know this may be a hefty disclosure. I respect your decision if this topic is off limits.
Depending on your responses, I will post about my own family, which I find to be heartbreaking, facinating, and inspirational.
Peace. Thanks!
JayMac
poster:JayMac
thread:857980
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20081005/msgs/857980.html