[newbie]

I have had a few bouts of depression and have had a doctor prescribe antidepressants (Zoloft and Cellexa once). Will this inhibit my abilty to adopt?

Please tell me what you know, have heard or have experienced.

Thank you.

[foreverblue127]

Don't worry I have had problems with depression and as long as you have it under control it will not be a issue. I still see a dr. and I take meds too. But I have not had any problems since I have been treated. My sw said they they like the fact that I got help for it. I did get a note from my doctor saying that he thought i would do well as a parent. The sw did not say I had to have one, but that it would help. I hope this helps you.
Michelle

[newbie]

Thank you for your reply. Where are you in the process of adopting?

[HappyMomAnna]

Yes, the way you deal with your depression will make the difference. Depression is real and many people experience it! Denial is not good---finding help means you are able to recognize it. Who better to be a parent then one who knows and understands the truth about depression!

[stacyone]

I have a long history of depression and am probably going to be on Prozac for the rest of my life -- the important thing is that I sought help when I needed it. In our homestudy, it was definitely a plus for us that we had been through really difficult things in our lives and weren't afraid to ask for help.

[sak9645]

... the nature of the bouts of depression.

If the bouts of depression caused you to attempt suicide and/or to require inpatient hospitalization, they could be a problem, especially if they occurred in recent years. Also, if the bouts of depression were part of a more complex psychiatric problem, such as bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness), they could be a problem.

However, if the bouts of depression consisted of lingering feelings of sadness and hopelessness, especially related to a difficult life event, such as a miscarriage, and if the treatment involved only medication and/or "talk therapy", they are usually not a barrier to adoption. Social workers know that many people become depressed as a result of infertility, miscarriage, or other life stresses, such as loss of a job or end of a marriage. They also know that it is better to seek help early, than to risk having symptoms escalate. Moreover, the person whose depression is resolved makes a much better parent than the person who does not get help.

Your homestudy agency will probably require you to obtain a letter from your therapist, outlining your diagnosis, treatment, and likely prognosis, as well as commenting on your fitness for parenthood. In some cases, an agency may require a second opinion from a different therapist.

Sharon

[foreverblue127]

Hi,
We are matched and hopefully our daughter will move in with us next month. So don't worry, you will be fine. Like I said as long as you have been stable and feeling good for awhile they shouldn't have a problem with it. Good luck and keep up hope! I am here if you need to talk.
Michelle