Jgnat,
I am really sorry to hear of your experience, but I think balance is necessary as with all things.
My illness is hereditary but my father was so embarrassed by the mental illness in his family that he denied its existence and even made fun off me when at the age of 16 I told my parents that I thought something was wrong. I had to go it alone and seek medical help and it took years to get a diagnosis as a result.
My daughter is only 7 but I see some worrying signs in her behavior (as do others close to her) she struggles to control the extremes in her emotions in away beyond what is normal for all children.
I believe that my own understanding and experience can be used as a help to her as she gets older if the problem develops. She herself knows something is ?different? about her and has already talked to me about that. I think if I was to dismiss her concerns it would be more of a hindrance than a protection. I encourage her to talk about her feelings and I take them seriously, I have simply told her that I understand because sometimes I have that problem too, which makes her feel safe enough to open up to me. I believe that not sweeping it under the carpet will help stop her from feeling alone and like a freak of nature as I did.
On the other hand, my sons show no sign of the illness so I feel no need to discuss it with them in the same manner. I do tell them when I am unwell, and to the extent that their age allows I will try to help them understand, but I do not and will not mention that it could affect them unless they ever show signs.
Pudd