Genetics? Will I be like him?!
Question: Okay, my dad is great and all, but a lot of his characteristics are ones that I DO NOT want. Everyone tells me that I look just like him and we are like to peas or whatever. I don't mind that, but I am starting to see some things that make me like my dad, the bad things that is. Like for example, I am drawn toward alcohol when I have problems. I am young and don't drink but I have taken a swig of straight alcohol just to prove a point, to myself, to I don't know who. Also I was wondering if depression is genetic. He and my grandfather suffered depression and they were both alcoholics. Will I turn out just like them because people are always saying I am just like one of the Smith's. (You get the point) Another thing, is OCD. I am not diagnosed but the little things bother me. My dad actually YELLS at me when I worry, maybe he's scared I'll be like him too. What do you think?
Answers: Okay, my dad is great and all, but a lot of his characteristics are ones that I DO NOT want. Everyone tells me that I look just like him and we are like to peas or whatever. I don't mind that, but I am starting to see some things that make me like my dad, the bad things that is. Like for example, I am drawn toward alcohol when I have problems. I am young and don't drink but I have taken a swig of straight alcohol just to prove a point, to myself, to I don't know who. Also I was wondering if depression is genetic. He and my grandfather suffered depression and they were both alcoholics. Will I turn out just like them because people are always saying I am just like one of the Smith's. (You get the point) Another thing, is OCD. I am not diagnosed but the little things bother me. My dad actually YELLS at me when I worry, maybe he's scared I'll be like him too. What do you think?
OMG. You sound just like me-except i have anxiety disorder and ADD.
My father is 72 and an alcoholic. He still yells at me, makes me feel like crap.
You won't be like him. You have choices you can make.
Stay away from alcohol. It doesn't help, it only harms. I'm a bartender too. I guess from many years of grabbing a beer for my dad.
My mother is bi-polar too. So i have more of a chance.
My biggest fear is to be labeled like her because of my mental disorders, but i am not like her.
My step sister was raised by my mother and she has anxiety too. Where i laugh it off my step sister cries it off. So this behavior is learned too.
Just remember you can decide what you become. Seek treatment if you feel you should.
And most of all, stay away from alcohol.(ok, i repeat myself 2)
Good Luck.
There is hope!
Yes, you could be right. My father and I are very much alike. My dad is a recovering alcoholic and I've also had my problems with addiction. He used alcohol alot to cover up his feelings. When I was younger, he would get real angry about me being sensitive. It took me a long time to realize he was the same way.
You have the advantage of seeing what you may become and you can take action. You don't have to be an alcoholic. There are better ways to deal with depression and other issues. And, also, none of us are perfect. At some point, you will accept who you are, genetics and all.