The Mystery of My Bipolar Family Tree

Last Updated: 15 Sep 2021
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As you may already know, Bipolar Disorder typically has some kind of genetic component. There may be a parent, grandparent, or other relative that has had Bipolar who has passed it along to a future generation.

As for me, well, I was adopted.  I know next to nothing about my birth parents.  What I do know, or at least have surmised based on my own mental health history, is that one or both of my birth parents have mental illness and/or addiction in their family history.

Whenever people ask me if I ever have had the desire to search for my birth parents I always reply, “No.”  I sometimes explain that by knowing my own Bipolar story, I’m actually a little afraid of digging up the past for fear of what I may discover.

However, I don’t always look in the past. I am the proud father of two teenage daughters. Up to this time neither has had to deal with any significant mental health issues. This doesn’t mean that I’m not aware of the “window” for the onset of Bipolar. My oldest is going to be a senior in high school and will soon be going off to college. When this time comes I will do my best to help her understand about the warning signs as well as how to manage the stress that comes with the rigors of college life.

All in all, I have come to terms with my own illness. At this point, I can’t do anything about my genetic make-up or who in my birth family passed along the Bipolar trait.  I can only look forward with faith and the belief that things will work out the way they were intended.

About the author
Karl Shallowhorn is the director of youth programs for Mental Health Advocates of Western New York and the president and founder of Shallowhorn Consulting, LLC. He has a master’s degree in student personnel administration from SUNY Buffalo State, is a New York State–credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselor, and has worked in the field of addiction and mental health for more than two decades. Karl is the author of Working on Wellness: A Practical Guide to Mental Health and Leadership Through the Lens of the 12 Steps. He serves as the vice-chair of the board of directors for the Mental Health Association in New York State. Karl has received numerous awards for his mental health advocacy work, including from the National Federation for Just Communities, and the Buffalo Association of Black Social Workers. Additionally, Karl was a featured speaker for TEDx Buffalo 2021, with his topic centered on African American men and mental health, and he was featured in the TV docuseries ReverseD. He hosts the radio show and podcast, Mindful Music which can be heard on 88.7 FM WBFO Buffalo Saturdays at 4 PM ET and on the Amplify podcast platform. He lives in Buffalo, NY, with his wife, Suzy, and he has two daughters, Sarah and Lillie.
5 Comments
  1. i delt with my daughter for many years before someone had told me about bipolar when i started reserching it described her and her father to a t so i started getting her help still to this day she struggles and then her daughter has it now my daughter was well over 18 before i was able to find out and help her then watching her daughter from birth to 10 years old i started noticing same signs started her for help my granddaughter doesnt like the meds.she is strong and is able most the time to control hers but she has the suidsidal also with the grace of god shes better i watch her she has a 9 nyr. old daughter she seem fine i actually had her checked evaluated for it they said she had add so as the years go by i watch my three girls closely to be sure they dont have any manic depression and any suidsiday signs believe me its been a struggle but i stay strong readly most all medical that comes along and watch for any changes in the girls god be with us all to have the strength to deal and help them.

  2. “Typically”… Not Always. This is not a proven fact that it is 100% genetic. Just stick with the facts and not assumptions

  3. My dad said no one in his side of the family had bipolar. His sister died from liver cancer from her bipolar meds. My daughter always said she would never get it. She now works and the mental hospital and at times in her life has taken something for anxiety.

  4. I also am adopted and have struggled with/ and beaten addiction only to find out in my twenties that I was bi polar. To be honest, it was a relief. My adopted mother was an alcoholic who was married 3 times by the time I was 9. There was little in the way of stability and we would move every 2 years or so. I waited until she died to look for my biological parents but unfortunately no match was found. I have a lovely teenage daughter, have found the right combination of medication and am going to be heading back to college with clear eyes and a fresh outlook. There is hope for each of us but I am a firm believer in knowledge of self and taking responsibility for your own happiness and future. I have created my own family (in my daughter ) and she has stirred in me motivation and love. I no longer look outward for fulfillment and at 40 I feel that I’m in a good place.

  5. I have had several talks with my adult daughter about my Bipolar diagnosis and also today I spoke with her about both her grandparents having problems. My father was on antidepressants at time, my mother was on anti anxiety medications. Just today I cried and talked to her about this and how it can be hereditary. She has a strong minded father with minor anger issues now and then, but basically normal. My daughter is a high achiever, owning two businesses and bookkeeping for her husbands business.

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