[banker0007]

anyone have problems if they have had depression in the past and are trying to adopt from Russia?

Please advise.

thanks!

[k8c]

I thought your post said, "Does anyone have problems with depression while trying to adopt from Russia?" The answer to that is a resounding yes!

However, the answer to your actual question is, not personally.

Sorry to not be more help!

[sarah_h]

I have heard that it depends on your agency and the region. They seem to have varying ideas of what it means to be healthy - some care less about the past.

[cathvash]

This is one of those "elephant in the room" kind of questions that people are hesitant to answer either because they have to then share very personal information (which could potentially put some at risk), or which could get them flamed because it comes back to "Should you or should you not tell?"

There is a very well-documented difference in the way mental health and illness is perceived between the US and Russia and other countries. In Russia, someone would generally have to be pretty sick before they would be placed on anti-depressants. Many judges/MOE officials view this as a strong concern. That said, many adoptive parents with a history of depression have successfully adopted, particularly if the depression was episodic and/or a long time ago.

For my first adoption I honestly noted in my HS that I had experienced depression many years before after a romantic breakup. However, I chose NOT to mention that I had been on antidepressants during that time. I had been off them for a few years, and decided it was not relevant to include that information given that the information might be misunderstood due to the cultural differences in how those meds are used. I was not even asked about this issue again.

My personal belief is that someone currently experiencing or being treated for depression or any mental illness should include the information since child safety is a legitimate concern. -Guess I see the difference as one of a resolved versus ongoing medical condition. For past issues, I would think it over and try to make the best decision about what level of information to provide, balancing honesty with what is relevant.

As you can see, there are many shades of gray, and everyone has a different take on this issue... Interestingly, and I think sadly, some countries are taking a very hard line on this at present.

[beckyww]

You're adopting a child, but you're only dating the Russian government. I'd be careful - and was careful - what I told my dates. There's no life-long commitment there.

Becky
The Woodworth Family in Beautiful San Antonio TX

[mcanvasback]

I agree with Cath and love Becky's response. I know it is a controversial topic and not everyone will agree with my response. But I will willingly share that I was hospitalized for depression after a miscarriage and being dumped by my fiance, 15 years ago. My then physician retired, and my new doctor didn't have those records and I did not disclose it. If I had, I would not have my daughter right now. She is happy and safe and I'm a good mother!

So, that is my two cents. Good luck.

[Sipper]

Personally, I am on a mild anti depressant. I adopted two children from Russia - one in 2005 and one in 2006. My doctor did write a letter about the medication as well as we had a phychiatrist also write a letter. It was not an issue but - when we went for baby #2 last year, the medical requirements had changed a lot and become much more strict. I had to have complete bloodwork done so it may have shown up in that. I would rather be the one to explain it than have them find it and ask.

[lippylulu]

I am an adoptive mom and also a psychologist. We adopted just when Russia started requring psych evals for PAP's and one of the families we traveled with had this problem. I did her psych eval and it all worked out fine. I now do psych evaluations for PAP's all over the country. You should be up front with your agency about the medication or treatment you are in or have had. Its better if it is not mentioned but your doctor may report it and if you tell your agency they can direct your dossier to a region more lenient about these things. It is then very important that your psychological evaluation is done by someone who knows EXACTLY how to write a report in your situation. Pleass email me prvately at LBshrink@aol.com for more information.