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Dear Suzie, The reason I went into care was that my mum suffered problems with her mental health. I don’t know who my dad is. I used to see my mum occasionally, but it wasn’t very frequent and it was always quite tough. She’d move quite a bit, going in and out of hospital and shelters, so it was difficult to keep track. Also, when we did meet, it was always really sad for both of us and it would leave us upset for weeks after. I know my mum loves me and I know that she’s clever and funny. But I also know she finds life really hard and can’t cope that easily with simple things. The problem is that the older I get the more I think I am becoming like my mum. I can spend days on end sat in my room crying. I am paranoid that people are talking about me.
I’ve started seeing a therapist and while it’s helping a little, I am really worried that there’s nothing I can do. Is madness genetic? |
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Dear Meryl Most mental health problems are not genetic. But the earlier you seek help, and the better your support, the more likely you are to be protected against its effects. You can inherit a tendency to mental health problems, not because it’s passed to you genetically, but because you expect it to happen and follow a pattern of behaviour you see acted out by someone close to you. You have many good reasons to feel sad, to lack trust and feel angry. That’s not a mental health issue – it’s mainly about not being able to be cared for by your mum who loves you and whom you love. Seeing a therapist will help you to understand your sadness around your mum’s illness. The therapist can help turn time with your mum into a source of hope rather than despair. A therapist could also help you explore whether your depression and paranoia might be early signs that could be acted upon and dealt with, or simply a reaction to past events. Trust your therapist and be honest because there is plenty you can do, and it will help a lot. |
