[not quite right]

For most of my life (i can remember back to 8 years old) I have coped with several mental/personality disorders. I hate the scarlet letter C (crazy) been forced to carry. this isn't about me, though. i have an 18 yr old son who turned out perfect, i also have 7 yr old twins. my girl is super smart, i can see where she could suffer from similar afflictions, but she is doing well. her twin brother, on the other hand is showing signs of did, or even schitzophrenia. he's the same age as i was when the voices started, now he has his own voices & i must seek help for him. I feel like I handed him this burden & i'm so sad to think he will live my life. how do i help him when i'm so messed up? somewhere I feel I failed him & it's so unfair. anyone have a young one in mental distress who can offer me some wisdom?

[Travelinglady]

I wouldn't be surprised if at some point one or both of my sons have signs of bipolar disorder, since I have it. However, if they do, then I am going to try not to blame myself too much. It's a genetic thing and there was a chance a child of yours would develop it, but they could not have.

I suggest you just make sure he gets proper care. Take him to a psychiatrist and a therapist and be supportive. And make sure to look after yourself and keep up your own treatment. Okay?

[not quite right]

Thank you. I have made him an appointment for a therepist and am hoping medication will not be necessary, will do whatever it takes to make his life better. I'm just frightened my severe instability may make me less effective as a parent. Also, My biggest fear is they will take my twins because they may deem me mentally unfit to care for them.

[oliamble]

Listen OP, they should not take your kids away unless you have been hospitalized or have a record of some sort stating you can not. I wish to think the state is not so barbaric in their thinking because if you are suffering from an illness as long as you are been treated for it (just like diabetes, aids, cancer and so on...) you should have all the rights to keep your children.

Now, I don't wish your little one to be subjected into some sort of medication at such a young age. Being a previous suffered from depression I know how hard this can be and the place you are in (I'm also a father), but perhaps taking him first to a therapist to get an evaluation should be the best thing and to see how helpful this therapist can be as to not subject the little one to medications at such a young age.

Don't beat yourself down b/c you want to blame yourself you passed this down to one of your sons. It is not your fault, neither could you have prevented this. You seem to be a great father/parent by your objective and willingness to help your son.

I really wish you and your kid experiencing these problems the best and make sure you keep yourself checks out b/c if you are not there as one of the father (specially a father figure), then who will.

Good luck man.