Preparing for Post-Adoption Depression: Waiting to Adopt Adoption Group Discussion Topic

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Preparing for Post-Adoption Depression

Posted by Danielle Pennel to Waiting to Adopt on May 01, 2012 at 6:21pm | 3 Comments | Post a reply

Yes, you are waiting to adopt and obviously not experiencing any Post-Adoption Depression. However, this is a good time to read about the possible signs so if it affects you, you’ll be prepared.

I never once thought this would be something that would have happened to me. Why would I be depressed once I get a baby, the one thing in the world that would make me the happiest I’ve ever been? Well, I definitely experienced it and didn’t even realize it until a year or so afterward. If I had done my research before I adopted, instead of afterward, I may have recognized it and gotten help.

I’d recommend to each of you to read this recent article titled, 5 Ways to Banish the Post-Adoption Blues. This would be an article to share with your partner or close friends. If you do start to feel down once you adopt, they may notice the signs and help remind you of ways to feels better.

Have you read about Post-Adoption Depression before?
Do you have a support system in place, in case you experience this?
Are there other resources you’d recommend on this topic?

Danielle
AFC Community Moderator

Replies

I agree.

I would never in a million years have thought I would be a candidate for Post Adoption Depression. I am just not ‘that type’ of person (I was very educated about adoption issues and had already adopted before, without experiencing PADS!) Yet I went through a very severe six month depression right after we brought our kids home.

Looking back, I focused so much of my energy & attention on meeting the needs of these kids who had been through so much, I didn’t pay enough attention to my own needs for time, space, balance and support once we got home.

You can read my story, which addresses some of the common dynamics in adoption that set us up for PADS:

http://www.adoptiongoddess.com/2011/10/my-visit-to-the-grief-room-post-adoption-depression-and-finding-the-strength-to-fall-apart/

Posted by adoptiongoddess on May 01, 2012 at 8:23pm

There is a good book Post adoption blues by Foli

Posted by Regina on May 02, 2012 at 4:40am