Posted by PhoenixGirl on October 1, 2011, at 19:00:41
I'm 33, and all of the sudden I'm being overwhelmed by a strong maternal instinct. I have a lifelong history of depression, anxiety, and OCD. My mother is severely bipolar, and my sister has depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. Some of my less immediate relatives have psychiatric issues, too. It seems that there probably is a genetic aspect going on, and I fear that if I ever have a child, that child will suffer just as brutally as I have.
Add to this that my energy is low and I have to take psychiatric medications or I will sink into a severe depression. These meds could harm a baby.
Can I be a good parent if I have ongoing psychiatric issues?
Also add on top of this that I do not currently have a partner who wants children. In a few months, I'll have to quit my torturous job for the sake of my mental health, and my boyfriend will support me financially until I can find a better job. I love my boyfriend, but he's a little distant, I guess. I need more affection from him. I wish we could get married and have a baby!
AND my fertility clock will start winding down soon. Help!
poster:PhoenixGirl
thread:998485
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20110823/msgs/998485.html