There's a known history of mental health problems in the branch of the DeVaughn family that I come from. My brother and I both suffer from severe depression, as did our father, whose mother was a DeVaughn, and based on personal observation and experience I'm quite certain she had Borderline Personality Disorder. One of her aunts was committed to a mental hospital at the age of 20 for "dementia," and one of her uncles also ended up in an asylum at some point.
There are indications of this in other lines from which I descend as well -- I'm planning to get a DNA test soon to see if any markers for it can be identified, and will of course be submitting my DNA when it's available -- but the DeVaughn line is the only one in which I know it's documented, which means my chances of finding data are much higher.
We know many mental illnesses are highly inheritable (although there's a question in some cases whether nature or nurture is the cause). I'm extremely interested in tracking the history of this strain of insanity, since it's had a huge impact on the lives of myself and my family. I know it's a sensitive topic for some, but I'd appreciate it if any other DeVaughn descendants out there who have knowledge of mental health issues in family members could check in with me (privately or otherwise -- I have no shame but I'm well aware of the stigma) with any information.
(FYI, since I've been asked: yes, I really did intend to post this information. My brother and I are the only remaining members of this specific line, and there are going to be no surprises for anybody here. Furthermore, we've both decided that the buck stops here; these genes do not need to be passed on any further.)
