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Depression after adoption - reality or fallacy
Q. I noticed a change in my sister's mood after she adopted her first child. She seemed depressed, similar to postpartum depression. The entire family expected her to be thrilled because she finally had the child she longed for. Is that normal? A. However, what your sister is doing is similar to postpartum depression. It is very real and can reduce the joy she experiences with her child. It is important that her family and friends understand the reasons and not belittle her for feeling this way. Depression can be caused by a combination of several events...
Depression after adoption - reality or fallacy
Q. I noticed a change in my sister's mood after she adopted her first child. She seemed depressed, similar to postpartum depression. The entire family expected her to be thrilled because she finally had the child she longed for. Is that normal?
A. However, what your sister is doing is similar to postpartum depression. It is very real and can reduce the joy she experiences with her child. It is important that her family and friends understand the reasons and not belittle her for feeling this way. Depression can be caused by a combination of several events that trigger what is known as “post-adoption depression.”
New changes to a lifestyle of full-time parenthood, a lengthy adoption process that comes with years of infertility, and a lack of control in both cases can lead to an outbreak of this type of depression. Rest assured that not all mothers go through this, but with parenthood comes challenges. Not all women are depressed, but some new adoptive mothers feel the disappointment and release of tension from the entire adoption process shortly after the child comes home.
Financial burdens of adoption can also make this time more stressful. Many new mothers find themselves at home and the lack of sleep can contribute to their overall well-being. Many women are embarrassed to even mention how they feel. I often hear the comment “Well, you should be happy now”!
If a woman has been suffering from depression for more than a month, she should seek advice from a qualified doctor who works with postpartum depression or from a counselor who specializes in adoption issues.
Adoption tip
Surround yourself with positive people; Get some fresh air and good nutritious food. Put on a little makeup during the day, even when you're at home. I found it helpful to get out and see a comedy show if you can just for fun. It's sometimes a comfort to know that other adoptive mothers have been through this and are now experiencing the joy that parenting can bring. It gets better.
Inspired by MM Caldwell