Chapter 6 134 experiences with stigma due to their psychiatric disorder(s) often leaned toward deciding against having children. Table 6.7 - Quotations belonging to the theme shadow of the future, grouped by the categories: social influences, transmission of psychiatric disorder(s), and the prospect of motherhood. Social influences 24 years, no children: “Yes, I don't have that much support from the family. So, then I think, why [would I have child].” 53 years, no children: “My best friend took over my favorite name for a daughter, that has happened twice now. “you're not having children anyway” I just think that's so inconsiderate. And I'm glad that I only now know that I have autism, because people have a prejudice, like I couldn't do that [be a mother]. While that doesn't have much to do with it. I know plenty of people with autism who can take excellent care of their children.” age unknown, one son: “And what I found very difficult, was that people automatically assumed that I did not want to keep the child. I found that difficult. While for me that is not a question at all.” Transmission of psychiatric disorder(s) 29 years, no children: “I wouldn't want to bring a child into the world who might inherit some of my psychiatric complaints.” 53 years, no children: “It is a line that had to be stopped (Interviewer: Yes, the past, whether that continues, and whether you still want to create something new for yourself, right?) … Yes, I now have more self-confidence and knowledge about that, that it is possible (other participant: to break the cycle of intergenerational transmission).” Prospect of motherhood 59 years, no children: “I don't think I could have raised them [children] well in the years before.” 29 years, no children: “Can I be a good parent? I wonder if I could give a lot of love. … I don't think that I could really be a good mother. So yes, also a bit out of protection, I think.” 53 years, no children: “No one is 100% successful in raising children. There are also people without any history [of psychiatric disorder] where things go terribly wrong. And of course, you never know what will come your way.” 32 years, one son: “Thanks to the knowledge I now have, I can say clearly that I have a heavy genetic burden. And that is of course also something that I am now more aware of, and “what if my child gets that” goes through my mind. On the other hand, I can say that I have it myself and I now know very well how to deal with it, so I probably recognize it sooner (other participants: yes, yes, yes) and I can also provide better support if so. That makes that I don't doubt myself as a mother.” This table shows quotations belonging to the theme shadow of the future, grouped by the categories: social influences, transmission of psychiatric disorder(s), and the prospect of motherhood Transmission of psychiatric disorder(s) The transgenerational transmission of psychiatric disorder(s) to children was a key theme among participants, as discussed in all focus group discussions. Many participants were conscious of the risk of passing their condition to their offspring, which influenced their decisions against having children or causing regret if transmission occurred. Awareness of the challenges varied, with some participants
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