Just wondering-how many had parents who were not the Brady Bunch parents

Genetic,

You are exactly right - the illness is a combination of genetic and upbringing factors. Often the genetic factors create a vulnerability that later can be exploited by abusive upbringing to produce a florid disease. But some people get the disease through genetics in pure form. For instance, my older daughter exhibits some signs of bipolar and who knows, might go on to develop the disease (with manic prevalence, not depression), and she has never been abused but rather enjoyed a wonderful childhood (see my post about her father above). It is not just her father who contributed - when they were little, I was a good mom, before my disease really reared its ugly head, and she was, for instance, breastfed until she stopped herself - she was not forcefully weaned. So no abuse whatsoever, yet she might by symptomatic.

PS I said I would not respond to your posts, but since I am agreeing with you, I decided to make an exception.

Your observations are valid, genetic; however, in my case I inherited my bipolar from my abuser-my father. I will never consider the damage a "blessing". Perhaps it was a lesson learned too early that guides me to provide all possible opportunities to make sure that my children have normal, happy childhoods.
I do agree that the ptsd caused by csa may affect the brain in some way. I will have to check the internet for any research in this area.
Like HB, one of my children has been diagnosed with a mood disorder and displays symptoms similar to mine. He has had a wonderful childhood and medications along with therapy allow him to control his moods, for the most part.
In my case, oddly enough I am now more angered by the bipolar legacy I have inherited because this is a lifelong illness, a constant reminder. I think if my childhood had been a happy one, I would be much more capable of accepting my bipolar dx instead of hoping that more than one professional has made a mistake. This is what therapy is for, right?
Thanks for your input.

I don't know, bluemountains. I wish I had an answer that could turn things around for everyone, but as you said, it's an illness we'll have as long as we live, unless the good researchers find the solution through gene therapy. (I'm hoping for that!!)

I can say that I'm more content as I've gotten older and learned that everyone has problems. Nobody is scott free of all difficulties.

I was told once that I'd feel sorry for the people in life who have hurt me for whatever reason, and I've learned something about how to steer clear of that type personality.

Facing the reality of it is strengthening, I think, and I'm so glad that you have seen to it that your gifted son is doing all the right things.

Don't you know that you are a winner in life? I think that thought occurs in the minds of everyone who has resolved to manage the illness and live with goodness.

I just finished two books about people who learned to love despite their illnesses. Both were very enlightening.

I've read that the most gentle people are often the ones with the greatest scars.
For those who have been scarred, I hope to Heaven that they have found the way
to overcome it. It seems to me that many here have overcome tremendous struggles.

Your post makes many of us, probably, a good bit more humble about life;life does have so many blessings to offer us if we can just let them touch us. I think that's what makes it so tough when someone in the "family" can't manage their understanding maturely. But, be encouraged--you are far more mature than she, in my view.

Genetic

*** TRIGGER ***

not sure the brady parents are exactly the ideal - the mom had an affair with the oldest son IRL, and the dad was "in the closet" - not that there's anything wrong with that.

My parents were definately NOT like the Brady Bunch. I'm still screwed up today bc of what they put me through.