I would like to adopt but have depression?

sunny

Completely agree with BOTZ.

You're depressed? Think adopting a kid will solve your depression? Why not concentrate on the child you have, and getting your disorder under control.

You don't have to be depressed for the rest of your life. Therapy, exercise, better nutrition.

Work on you, instead of looking outside yourself to solve your problems.

monkeykitty83

It depends on what kind of adoption you're interested in. Some countries (for example, China) do not allow prospective adoptive parents who are on psychiatric drugs. Some agencies also would not allow it.

However, if you want to adopt from state foster care, you'll likely be able to, as long as your depression is under control. The rules for different areas are different, and you may need a notation from your doctor about your medication and stability, but I doubt you'd be denied on that basis.

ETA: I have depression rampant in the genetics on both sides of my family. Both of my parents have depression. I have depression. So while I would specify that it needs to be under control when you adopt, I'd be a bit of a hypocrite to assume you'd be a bad parent on that basis.

Edit2: Having depression is not the same as being/feeling depressed. Depression is a condition affecting the chemicals in the brain, and can be controlled with medication and therapy. If she's actively feeling depressed or her depression is not controlled, I agree she shouldn't adopt at this time. But having a mental health issue to deal with does not automatically make you unqualified to parent, assuming you're controlling and treating it. Depression can't be cured, but it can be managed-- in spite of how people with mental health issues are stigmatized.

chielu c

What do you mean by adopt?

Adopting is a process that changes a person's identity and legally seals the original birth certificate. Do you mean you would like to raise someone else's child?

emmaleigh

I completely agree with BOTZ and Sunny too.
it is not only about to give a home to someone else but also lots of love and care. but i think it s not possible for a person with deprecion!

want2adopt

There should be no problem at all. As long as your doctor can agree that your depression is under control with medication. I am going through the adoption stage too and I am on medication for depression and my doctor has given a medical statement to my social workers saying that I am fine and that the medication is controlling my illness. The social worker suggested I go see a cousellor too just to make sure they agree with the doctor and everything has been approved. Having depression does not make us "crazy" it is just like any other illness (diabetes,epilepsy) as long as we continue our medication we can live normal lives too. Good luck with your adoption and you are very lucky to already have one of your own. I wish you lots of success!!

Independ"ant"

Hmmm...the first thing that comes to mind is this deadly crash:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EgyptAir_Flight_990

Pilot had depression but was taking meds that made him feel like he could put the safety of 217 people in hands.
He had an "episode" and took everyone on their last ride.

Was it the meds or his depression?. Who cares...unfortunately it wasn't just one person.

I think you should pass on adoption.
Make sure the depression/meds are disclosed during the homestudy.

Its not about what you feel you can give...its about what is in the best interest of a child.

chowbaby

hi sugar .don't give up on this have a talk to a social worker .they will help and advice you .i fosterd for 27 years.girls are my best friends now

BOTZ

Excuse me, but having a step-dad and brother who are adopted does not mean you "know how hard it is" -- at least not how hard it is to BE an adoptee.

I am one. I very much wish I was not one. I am currently working with my Mom to annul/vacate/set aside my adoption and restore my life and relations to how they should be.

My a-mother suffers from depression, too. And so do I. That is, I suffer from HER depression -- and I have for most of my life.

I may not be the best one to ask but I would NEVER let a person who suffers from depression adopt a child. Being adopted is hard enough...we don't need that kind of 'stuff' added in. I should know. I DO know.

If you want more children, have them yourself.

Santa's Lil' Helper

Ummmm NO! Adopted kids have enough problems without adding your depression in the mix.

mony sue

Don't see why not if you have a doctor to say that your depession is under control and your treatment is working just fine.

mikalina

i'm gonna go on a limb here... i bet if you started your question with "i want to adopt but have diabetes" then the answers would be different. both are chemical imbalances caused by a malfunction in your body.

but what is your motivation for wanting to adopt? you already have a son, so i'm guessing not infertility. you're 22, so age is not a factor. why not just have another child?

in my case, i'm 33, have been back off my depression meds for almost 3 years, have had no success naturally, and am in a loving marriage. our motivation for adopting is that my husband and i want to share the large amount of love we have with a child.

Indian-vision

Plz take medical help and get your depression under control before you ever adopt. You may be prone to "Post adoption blues" and you never want to ever make a child face that.
Depression can be treated and controlled very well.

ETA- I don't see her having written she is schizoprenic or has some serious mental disorder like split personality. Although i recall another question where the PAP said the expectant mother had been "institutionalised" and every one pounced on her here saying that does not make her an unfit parent and the child ought to be with the natural mom ....irrespective.

BUT A PAP WITH JUST A DEPRESSION BECOMES A BAD CHOICE FOR ADOPTION. HMMMMM Very interesting attitude. Maybe people need some basic understanding of a depression vs mental health institute person.

mmmckinn

Actually, I'm more worried about your age with depression than I am with you adopting. It is not normal for a 22 year old to suffer depression. Why do you have the depression? Does it run in your family? Are you under tremendous stress? I'm really curious because I just think that you need to get a handle on that now, while you are young. You can always adopt at the age of 26 or 27. You should be relaxing, and enjoying being so darned young, instead of worrying where your kids will come from. That's my 47 year old sage advice.

minniemouse3353

rush ur baby so cute!i want one!i need get man have baby and run with the baby before he knows!

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: