The main reason that I don’t want kids is that I don’t want them to live a life full of anxiety. I have OCD and my boyfriend has anxiety and PTSD. And even thinking about how stressed a child would be with mental illness in their family breaks my heart.

Hugs. That’s a big choice! I have three kiddos, it’s hard for me, but they don’t have any signs of anxiety ??

One thing I've learned from my therapist is that the only way to deal with passing on trauma to the next generation is to deal with it as much as we can BEFORE it gets to them. Think about it this way -- this, right now, is your chance to experience anxiety and work out ways to process it, and get yourself solid, so that when/if it affects your kids (or nieces, nephews, etc.), you can help them through it too. They won't have to start as lost as you were because you've been through it, and you'll be around to help. This has been a great motivator to me too, on the days when it all feels overwhelming -- that I'm not just working this out for yourself, but for another generation of my family, if this really is something passed down genetically.

Congrats for not perpetuating suffering in this world. I am and will always be child free. I honestly don’t understand how people like us even play with the idea of creating a sentient being knowing it will suffer and die. It’s just better to have never been born. Nonexistence can only be a good.

I agree honestly. My boyfriend has a vasectomy and I’m getting a hysterectomy once a doctor is willing but since I’m in my 20s it’s not likely until I get married.

I understand what you're saying because sometimes I also think the same thing but remember whether you speak negativity or positivity they have power! Start speaking positively and your future children will be healthy physically and mentally as a whole!

Really sorry to hear you’re suffering that way Juliet. I would not do anything rash as you have your whole life ahead of you. There are many many people who have had the same issue different points and there are many people who are now Walking a journey of increased recovery. I have OCD, I have three kids. It’s not about living a perfect life. Life is a gift. Keep going, keep talking, get professional help and belief for a future with greater freedom