Do you think it's fair to have children with the possibility of passing on a mental illness?

[Nutshell]

If a person has depression, anxiety, etc. do you think it's fair to have a child with the possibility of that child having the same thing? If the mental illness(es) may have run in your family, would it be a nice thing to do to a person?

I'm sure some people who have never had these things might say yes. Or others might say it's not that bad, at least it's not schizophrenia or some physical issue. Yes I agree they are both pretty serious, but depression and other mental illness are also a struggle for people who have it.

[lace1228]

I'd tell society to go f*** itself, not all mental illness or physical disabilities even happen right away, sometimes a premature baby can develops life time problems does that mean we should hide them or make them feel bad for being different from what society feels to be normal? F***that. Also people who have depression or anxiety it might be a disease but so is being an alcoholic but its not a genetic thing that gets past down from parent to child. Even down syndrome isn't a genetic thing its something that can happen to anyone. Its society that needs to change. Our views on the disabled needs to change. These people don't want to die they want to live, you ever think about that? Being disabled is not something that should be frowned upon but people need to embrace every ounce of their presence and face the world without fear.

[Nutshell]

I'm not talking about society. I'm talking about if it's fair to put your kid through what you went through. If you suffered from mental illness and you could give it to your kid and your kid is it fair. That's what I'm asking.

[peace-love-couture]

It depends, in my opinion.

I imagine those suffering from severe forms of mental illnesses or mental retardation wouldn't be in the position of being able to get pregnant, i.e, in a relationship, but, in some cases, I think it's unfair.

With depression, it's really an individual thing, same with anxiety.

I also feel the same about poor people. Why bring children into this world knowing you won't be able to fully support them and can't keep stable food, clothing and shelter? It's selfish and then to expect sympathy when sh*t hits the fan

You aren't gonna make many people happy with this because people on here are very liberal and pretend to have empathy for everything in the world.

[Moloch]

“I also feel the same about poor people. Why bring children into this world knowing you won't be able to fully support them and can't keep stable food, clothing and shelter? It's selfish and then to expect sympathy when sh*t hits the fan.”

Glad someone else notices this. I can't imagine bringing up children in crappy living conditions, that's selfish.

[Nutshell]

I agree, if you don't have food or shelter to give to a someone why put someone through that? And by your last sentence.. do you mean people are liberal on here and will think you should have a kid in this situation?

[Serotriptomine]

First and foremost number one rule about having children, make sure you're life is bloody well stable.

[Anonymous]

I don't think its right either.

Because of this I know a child who has ADHD, Bipolar disorder and Cebreal palsy that were passed on by his parents with those illnesses. I think its incredibly selfish to knowingly inflict that pain and discomfort on your offspring.

[Nutshell]

Aw poor kid.

[Konnour]

First - depression and anxiety are not "diseases" - those are passing conditions which are mostly caused by harmful environment or sometimes also drug abuse.

However - there are many diseases which are actually real, which can be passed and making life worse for the child and everyone around him or her.

I say they should not pass their genes, but just because I or perhaps the whole world would say so wouldn't change a thing.

Eugenics are very interesting topic... and the most ironic thing about it is that many who believe in it and "perfect" genes soon stop to believe in it.. when they find out they themselves don't match to their own criteria.

[Nutshell]

They are mental illnesses. Depression could possibly be hereditary. I don't get what you're saying?

[smilenbehappy]

It is possible for it to be hereditary but that's more if there is no trigger. most people have a cause which it can be led back to.

[Serotriptomine]

Well if you yourself have these illnesses, I would think saying "no its not fair" would mean you would like not to exsist.

It's their own busisness, there is no "fair" it's all a matter of morals.

Having a child while you have aids?

No. That's just not "right"

Depends how you look at it as a future parent / how you want your children's life to turn out.

[Nutshell]

I'm asking what you think. Would you want to possibly see your kid suffer from what you suffered from? Or your dad, or grandpa, etc.

[Serotriptomine]

Would I "like" to see that happen to my offspring?

No.

Would I take the chance to pass something along that I could relate to, later in their life when I want a family of my own?

Yes.

[Nutshell]

Ok, thanks for answering.

[raptor]

Absolutely, it is 100% fair. Now, if a person has a serious mental illness and frequently relapses into severe episodes (assume they are aware of this fact during stable periods), they may want to consider if they are truly capable and/or ready to raise a child.

[Nutshell]

So to you depression isn't a serious mental illness?

[raptor]

no, it's a very serious one.

[Nutshell]

You said it's fair and then said now, if a person has a serious mental illness. I thought you were saying depression isn't serious or something like that.

[raptor]

Oh, that was a separate point. Just saying that a person with a serious mental illness should carefully consider is they (the parent) have the capability to raise a child.

[Nutshell]

Ok, thanks for your answer sir.

[Moloch]

I don't think that's right. If I have a medical condition like that, I wouldn't want my children to suffer too.

[peace-love-couture]

+1

[sikoo31]

thats actually the only valid reason I can think of to have an abortion.

[smilenbehappy]

thats silly

[sikoo31]

how so? I just don't want the kid's life to suck ass

[OddBeMe]

No, but I’m anti- natalist anyway.

Psychology is pretty clear that some are born with mental issues, but it’s how they’re raised that sets the stage for how bad it is.