The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says that 40 million Americans deal with anxiety disorders. Many adults contemplate whether or not to be a parent based on their mental illness diagnosis. By speaking to a therapist about the concerns you have around being a parent, you will see that having a mental illness should not stop you from having children.
Being a Good Parent
Many adults with mental illnesses were raised by parents who also struggled with mental health diagnoses. The American Journal of Psychiatry says that 20-40% of individuals diagnosed with anxiety, OCD, and depression inherited their mental illness from their family. Furthermore, many of these people were raised by parents with undiagnosed mental health issues, creating an unstable and often toxic environment.
It is normal to be scared of exposing your children to situations similar to those you experienced growing up. Remember that managing a mental illness is possible and effective treatment will help you be the best parent you can be to your child. Seeking professional help will teach you not to let your mental illness define you and to express any concerns that need to be addressed.
The Risks of Your Child Inheriting Your Mental Illness
There are mental health disorders that are known for being genetic, like bipolar disorder for instance. Additionally, a child whose parent(s) is diagnosed with a mental illness could be at a greater risk for developing emotional, social, and/or behavioral problems. Usually, issues like these are the result of an inconsistent and unpredictable home environment. Other risk factors include things like poverty, living in a single-parent household, poor medication management, and parental substance abuse. However, many of these risks can be solved with consistent therapy and work with a mental health professional.
Preventing Mental Health Symptoms From Interfering with Parenting
While some mental health issues are genetic, the majority of the risk factors experienced by children of parents with mental health diagnoses are preventable. Consistent work towards managing and coping with your diagnoses will drastically decrease the chances of your mental health interfering with your parenting or affecting your children. Furthermore, caring for your mental health will teach your children to do the same, thereby promoting healthy self-care habits to live by and a healthy environment to live in.
It is good to think seriously about whether or not your mental illness symptoms will affect your parenting skills. Remember that just because you have a mental illness does not mean that you cannot be a successful parent. However, you must learn to manage and cope with your mental health symptoms to maintain a healthy and stable living environment for your child. Mental health symptoms are treatable and there is always someone willing to listen. At Alta Loma, we have a team of highly trained specialists who are here to help you come up with mental health treatment and recovery strategies that fit your specific needs. At our transformative treatment facilities in Georgetown, Texas, your mental health will always be a priority. We can provide you with individualized counseling, family therapy, recreational therapeutic activities, medication management, life and coping skills education, and more. Please give us a call at (866) 457-3843 for more information.
