Having a mental illness raises concerns for people who suffer from a mental illness from the RX drugs they are taking to passing on this illness to a child to the abilities or inabilities they may have or not have while raising children or mood fluctuations during pregnancy.
Drug concerns should be discussed with your doctor. Topamax that is used for a mood stabilizer, migraines, and weight lose, is now linked to a higher risk of your child developing cleft palate if you take it during pregnancy. There are some ant-depressants and other psychotic drugs that are known to be safe like Lithium while carrying a child and others that either aren't tested enough or harmful like sedative medication often used in treatment. If you plan on having children in the future near or far and being treated for a mental disorder, open a dialogue with your doctor about RX drugs that are safe for a future child you may carry.
Passing on the mental disorder you or your partner has is another concern when planning for your future within a family. Many studies link a genetics to mental disorders. In my family my Grandmother, cousin and many others have bipolar disorder like me. When I think of having children I used to question whether or not it's fair to have them if I knew the risk of passing along this trait is worth it.
Each person needs to come to there own conclusion, sifting through the emotional and factually information. For me, I'm glad I know what I may be passing on, who better to help a child through something like a mental disorder than some one who has overcome it themselves. We all pass some sort of strengths and weaknesses, at least I'm aware of an illness that potentially will be passed on.
I fear the possibility that I may suffer from mood swings while being pregnant and post pregnancy. Having a plan is key to be responsible and alleviate fear when planning children. Talking to your doctor about any RX drugs you are on and side effects going off drugs that aren't good while being pregnant is the first step. Bringing up emotional concerns with your doctor that you may have about hormones and childbirth should become a comfortable subject.
If you are asking the questions of whether or not you are able to be a parent while suffering from a mental disorder that in itself shows a level of responsibility. Some parents never fully see the downfalls or inabilities they have before raising children. If you are aware of difficulties you may have and are able to overcome your struggles, you need to look at that. Some people will never be able to be stable enough to raise children, it's a decision you need to make looking at your awareness, emotional and financial stability, social support as well as medical awareness.
