Check out some similar questions!

orange · Jun 8, 2006, 11:15 AM

As some of you may know, both my biological parents had a serious mental illness. I am working on a book for adult children of mentally ill parents, sort of a semi-autobiography of my own life, but I would also like to include stories from others. I have interviewed a few people in my city, but I am wondering if anyone on the forum here, who has a close mentally ill relative (parent preferable, but could also be a sibling, grandparent, close friend, etc) would like to tell me their story or be interviewed by me, over the email or phone. If I use part of your story I will give you a complimentary copy of my book once it's published. Anyway if you're at all interested, you can either post your story here, PM me or email me at [email protected]. Thanks!

valinors_sorrow · Jun 8, 2006, 12:35 PM

I easily offer myself for this worthy cause Chava. We might need to first agree on what constitutes mental illness though... since I tend to draw a broad scope for it, just a thought?

My father was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, although I know him more as an ACOA (Adult Child of an Alcoholic)...

And my mother was a prescription drug addict (too many of those little mother's helpers the Rolling Stones sang about) and to some degree an emotionally battered housewife.

They raised some sick kids. I know, I was one of them.

orange · Jun 8, 2006, 12:44 PM

Well my original focus was "traditional" mental illness such as bipolar, schizophrenia, severe depression, borderline personality, etc... but those often go hand in hand with addictions. Both my parents also had problems with addictions. And addictions are a form of mental illness too, in a broad sense. Part of what I talk about in my book is dealing with psychiatrists, having your parent hospitalized, out of touch with reality, etc, and the stigma that goes along with that, but that could just as easily be said for a parent with alcoholism! I even thought of having a section on addictions, and I might still do that. So yeah, your input would be welcome and appreciated!

J_9 · Jun 8, 2006, 01:23 PM

Chava, I would love to help if I can. My father was diagnosed with severe depression about 20 years ago. He grew up in a very dysfunctional household. Long stories here about him coming home with his mother's head in a gas oven with the pilot light off, etc. as well as brutal beatings from both his mother and father. He grew up to be an alcoholic. Has been dry now for 31 years.

He saw psychiatrists and spent quite a good bit of time in hospitals, including several bouts with electric shock therapy.

Anything you need, just PM me.

Janine

valinors_sorrow · Jun 8, 2006, 03:02 PM

We were not the kind of family to seek help. Truth be told here, that is what began the big rift between me and mine. I dared to tell. Ever see the movie "Prince of Tides"? Similar deal.

orange · Jun 8, 2006, 03:03 PM

Thanks so much Janine. I'm going to contact you and Val (and anyone else who responds to this thread) as soon as I've put together a few questions for you guys to answer!

J_9 · Jun 8, 2006, 07:13 PM

Chava, you know I am here for you, for whatever you need. If you want I may contact my father, he now speaks out for the Depressed Population. He may be interested as well.

J_9 · Jun 8, 2006, 08:14 PM

Chava, I am happy to help. I am one of the people who is happy to say that I have broken the cycle. We will see what the next few months brings with my school and all, but I have not been on meds for quite a while.