[calico06]

Hi. My husband I are wanting to adopt. We have talked to a few agencies and one of the questions they ask is have we been treated, diagnosed or received counseling for a psychiatric illness. I had been treated for anxiety and received some counseling in the past. I haven’t needed medication for over 3 years. Does anybody know if this would prevent us from adopting?

[MommyBear]

It shouldn't. I take Prozac to tone down my PMS fluctuations and I have had some counseling in the past after being a victim of sexual abuse. I put ALL of that on our initial application and we were accepted to begin the homestudy. If it worries you, ASK the agency - they'll be honest with you.

[mommamarci]

I also was treated and medicated for depression. I was diagnosed with situational depression. (It was right after I moved 5 hours from all family and friends to go to college.) I was honest with them and told them all about it. I think they were impressed that I recognized I had a problem and took care of it. I have been off the meds for almost 5 years. It should not be a problem!!

[Poleczech]

I concur. I was diagnosed with depression, received meds and counseling, and our SW was impressed that I sought help -- the depression stemmed from our years of unsuccessful fertility treatments.


Best thing is to be honest and tell them -- I doubt there will be a problem.

Best wishes,

[bagletkt]

My DH was on meds for anxiety when we first started. It was no problem. Just be upfront.

[aspenhall]

I had mild depression 10 yrs earlier and disclosed it.....what I did NOT count on was Post Adoptive Depression Syndrome kicking my butt...... I wish my CW had known a little more history and been aware and seen that I was at a BIG risk for PADS....The questions aren't a pass/fail situation, they ask them so that they know how BEST to meet your needs. AND so that they can get to know you and mildly predict what family life will realistically be like in your home.

Please come check out the forum (see my signature link) on PADS. Anxiety plays a major part in the beginning....even if you are on meds.

[bohtieque]

My husband IS on anti-anxiety meds and has been on depression meds, I think, this winter. I have suffered from seasonal affective disorder and used meds for that last winter. Everything was TOTALLY fine. Try not to worry about getting approved--I don't think you'll have a problem at all.

[mom2justynsarah]

I can't imagine it would. Like everyone else said, just be upfront and honest. The worst thing to do is to lie or omit information. It could come back to bite you.

[calico06]

We appreciate all the responses about the anxiety issue and how it shouldn’t be a problem with the homestudy. We have few questions. Do you know if the potential birthmothers look at the homestudies? Also is anxiety considered a psychiatric problem, mental illness or what? Thanks in advance

[Linny]

Jumping in here......After having a lot of homestudies done, I honestly think they (the homestudies) are NOT shown to possible birthcouples. I've always known that info to stay private in the knowledge of the agency and caseworkers.

As far as what depression would be listed on....I think it would depend on how much it had affected your life in the past, and how long you've had it. I know that anyone can develop some sort of anxiety at different times and for different reasons in their life....but it's not always serious---though serious enough to get some help in some form. I mean, people often experience some anxiety when a parent dies, or a miscarriage.....but it probably isn't for the long term. Still, it was probably beneficial to talk to a good friend, counselor, or both...but not necessarily meds.
Soooo, whether that 'help' is meds, counseling or both, depends on the way it's affecting your life, KWIM?

I think I'd ask your agency how they plan to handle it. Again, as others have stated, your honesty and open-ness about it all will make all the difference.

Sincerely,

Linny

[kelceesmom]

I have not heard this to ever happen. Our sw informed us it was just for our state to ok an adoption.

[bohtieque]

We were told by our agency that the moms wouldn't see our homestudy--they look at the portfolio. I suppose that if they asked, they could get a de-identified copy, but that's probably not the norm.

For what it's worth--my husband has suffered from depression, and we both have seasonal affective disorder, so from time to time we're prescribed medication. My husband also suffers from anxiety. We were chosen by a mom, and we'll bring our son home very soon, despite that. I think depression and anxiety are SO common these days, you really shouldn't worry about it--most people understand.

[rykyki]

As an adoption professional who conducts home studies in NJ, I can assure you that home srtudies are NEVER given to potential birth families, as they consist of all of your identifying and personal information. Many of my clients have suffered through depression and I commend those who address their issues with therapy or meds, if needed. You definitely need to be completely honest and up front though, because not doing so can result in an unfavorable home study. Good luck to you.