[ajjhmf]

Hello all!

My husband and I are starting the adoption process with our local county and have a question. In all of our research on homestudies and the adoption process we haven't found any information on how depression affects the homestudy/adoption process.

I was first diagnosed with depression about 8 years ago when I was in college. I was hospitalized for a short period (10 days) and after some counseling lived depression free for many years. About 2 years ago, I went back on anti-depressants although I'm not in counseling. Much of my depression stemmed from infertility issues which we have since resolved. Our question is this, how will this affect our homestudy?

I would imagine that many women who have dealt with infertility have suffered from depression at one time or another. But I don't know if my currently being treated for depression would be a red flag on a homestudy.

Any insight you have, good or bad, would be helpful.

Thanks.

[drewnphilipmom]

My husband suffers from depression and has for years. When we had our physicals for our home study our doctor had to write a letter stating our health condition and if we were physically able to parent a newborn. In the letter he stated that my husband did suffer from depression but it was controlled by medication and the condition would not hinder him from being a good parent.

Cathy
Mom to Philip 13 and Drew 7 months

[Peggy]

I can't say for sure. But I know in my classes, many women went to counseling for depression and dealing with infertility, so you are right, it is not uncommon. I also went to counseling for anxiety about 10 years ago, I was upfront with my social worker, and it did not hinder me. I think seeking appropriate service is looked upon favorably.