I questioned having children for many years before deciding to give it a try. My struggle in this decision wasn't because I was unsure about having children--I love children!--but more that I have traits on my side I wasn't sure I wanted to pass along to another generation: Alzheimer's, heart disease, cancer, alcoholism, depression and bipolar disorder. From what I knew in studying genetics in university, such conditions have a strong genetic component and, often, males are more vulnerable in developing these things--except cancer, of course, which we all have equal odds at developing. The extra 'X' females have must be a protective factor, somehow: something to do with diseases/conditions being carried on the 'X' chromosome and males not having that extra one for backup. At any rate, it made me question whether I wanted to bring children into the world who had such a high chance of developing any of these things. And, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, children with a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are four to six times more likely to develop bipolar too. This is something I have thought of often during each of my pregancies.
I never developed bipolar myself, although I do struggle with depression and anxiety. I've always felt that my issues were more 'acquired' as it isn't uncommon for people to develop depressive symptoms when caring for/living with someone having depression. All of my siblings have some combination of depression, anxiety or mood issues as well. Knowing all of this I tend to wonder at least once a day:
Will any of my children have bipolar?
I don't let it rule my thoughts or change how I interact with or treat my children...it's just something that flashes in my head every so often. I watch for those early signs...analyze their moods...and wonder.
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