Dear DEIDRE: My dream is simple – to become a mother – but I fear my children will end up with the same mental illness that I have.
I am a 37 year old female and have been struggling since I was 15.
I have self-harmed and had bouts of depression and anorexia.
I seem to attract people who treat me badly. People who like me now are addicted or abusive.
A man lured me into drugs and now I’m innocent.
I live in a flat, work in a supermarket and long to have a family of my own.
do you think i will be a good mom?or my depression Can self-harm be passed on to children?
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Deidre says: No, not necessarily. It is believed that some of the more serious mental illnesses can be contagious, but that is not the case.
When mental illness affects members of the same family, it is not purely due to genetics.
Now that you’ve recovered from your addiction, you have a chance to be a good mother.
Take care of yourself so that you can make good choices that will ultimately have a positive impact on your future children.
For more information, visit rethink.org (0808 801 0525) to improve lives for people with mental illness.
My support pack called Finding The Right Partner For You may help you find a better relationship.
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