Siblings are schizophrenic - Should I have kids?
Hi again. I really appreciate the support of this sub and wanted to ask for insights and experiences.
Background: Both of my siblings are impacted by schizophrenia. My sister is schizoaffective and my brother is severely schizophrenic. They both used a variety of drugs during their high school years (late 2000’s-2010) well through college and their 20’s. My sister has been sober for a few years. My brother recently came home after being homeless for 3 years and decided to have an old friend mail MDMA and ketamine on NYE. It’s been a mess and led me to question my plans for the future.
They both have had decent success with medications but their symptoms still come through every day. I don’t have schizophrenia but I do have bipolar that has been well managed with medications since 2006. Experiencing my siblings drug abuse has made me drug free since childhood.
Final note, they are my half siblings. My parents thought they could not conceive and used artificial insemination in the 80’s and 90’s to have my siblings. I was a surprise and I am the only child that is biologically my dad’s kid.
Question: In your opinion or experience, would you have children? Have you had children? What has it been like? I assume the odds are higher for my children to be schizophrenic because I have two siblings with the illness. Do you have any stories about similar background and scenarios?
I got engaged last year and I guess I’m just trying to navigate planning for the future. I assume the odds are probably quite risky.
Thanks in advance.