Post-partum depression is a mood disorder that affects a new mother after she has given birth. This is a blanket term that can be used to describe any range of emotions from the “baby blues” to severe depression. While baby blues typically only last for two weeks, more severe cases can last longer and can have a larger impact on both the parents and babies life. Hormone and lifestyle changes after giving birth are a natural part of the process and every person responds differently.
Post-partum depression can also happen within the adoption sphere, and can affect multiple parties. Having chosen adoption, this response can look different, but it is still widely applicable.
For adoptive parents, this is often referred to as post-adoption depression. Recent studies have shown that this is increasingly common, with 10% to 32% of adoptive parents affected.
The stress of having a new baby and welcoming in a completely new way of life brings on emotional and mental stressors that can trigger similar symptoms to post-partum depression. Feeling like they are not bonding with the child quickly enough or a difference in expectations can be factors. Symptoms to look out for can include the loss of interest in typical social or physical activities, chronic fatigue and lack of energy, becoming easily frustrated with yourself, the child or others, ongoing sadness, and feelings of guilt and shame.
Treatment for both post-partum depression and post adoption depression typically looks the same. If you are an adoptive parent struggling with post-adoption depression symptoms, you are not alone. Plenty of treatment, counseling, and self-help tools are available to help cope with new parenthood and all of the emotions that come with it. Talking to a healthcare provider and starting the conversation about what kind of treatment is right for you is an important first step in the process. Therapy, medication, or self-help can all be applicable treatments based on one’s situation.
There can be a lot of shame and guilt regarding this subject. Some adoptive parents may feel like they are not as “entitled” to these feelings since they do not share the same physical aspects. Adoptive parents often wait throughout a long process to have a child, and these feelings of guilt can come through as they don’t want to feel ungrateful for something they were anticipating for so long. These feelings can be both confusing and embarrassing.
Resources
Adoptions From The Heart hosts a wide variety of support groups, including post-placement support groups, that allow for parent to talk freely and hear similar stories. The calendar of these events can be found here. To learn more about this condition and how it affects people in real world scenarios, you can watch this episode of AFTH Tv here.
