Post-adoption depression: what is it, symptoms and how to deal with it?

This phenomenon appears in some parents shortly after adoption.

The arrival of a child in our lives is always a reason for happiness and joy. However, there are a series of factors that can interfere and deteriorate this feeling of well-being and although these feelings are usually associated with postpartum depression, they can also appear at the end of an adoption process.

These cases are known as post-adoption depressionThis is a psychological disorder characterized by the emotional suffering of one of the two affectionate parents, which we will discuss in this article.

What is post-adoption depression?

Post-adoption depression, or post-adoption depression syndrome, is a little-known disorder that was first described in 1995 by psychologist and adoption researcher June Bond.

Throughout her work, Bond became aware of the effects of the adoption process on the child. the effects that the adoption process has on the mental health of the prospective adoptive parents and noted that in a large number of adoptive parents and observed that on a large number of occasions, adoptive parents experience acute feelings of sadness and anxiety that appear within a few weeks of finalizing the adoption process. That is, shortly after the child is already settled in his or her new home. He called this clinical picture post-adoption depression syndrome.

Although its symptoms are very similar to those of postpartum depression, which is already normalized and accepted as a possible temporary consequence of the new situation in which the person finds himself, postadoption depression is surrounded by a high level of ignorance.

The reason is that, unlike postpartum depression, which is justified as a hormonal readjustment, Post-adoption depression does not have this Biological justification and, moreover, society expects it to be and, moreover, society expects people to feel great happiness and satisfaction at the completion of an adoption process, something that in theory requires so much time and effort.

This leads many people to feel ashamed and guilty about these feelings of sadness and anxiety that invade them, so they decide to carry it in silence and not to resort to any kind of help. In addition, the feeling of incomprehension is also very characteristic of this disorder. of this disorder.

There are many people who experience these effects. In the same way, these symptoms do not appear out of nowhere, but have causes based on the interaction with the environment, and there are also a series of measures that the person can carry out to avoid or remedy them.

What are the symptoms?

Unlike postpartum depression, which is typical of women, although there are also cases in which it has occurred in men, postadoption depression tends to occur equally in both sexes.. However, symptoms may vary between men and women. This phenomenon is associated with the influence of gender roles that are still strongly adhered to in different cultures.

In the case of women, they often experience strong feelings of sadness, feelings of tiredness feelings of sadness, feelings of tiredness and extreme fatigue.The symptoms of depression, sleep problems and anhedonia, or the inability to experience interest or pleasure in activities previously considered satisfying.

All these symptoms usually trigger a strong feeling of frustration and guilt, as the person feels that he/she should be in a position of well-being and happiness and fails to understand why this is not the case.

In men, meanwhile, post-adoption depression often manifests itself in the form of irritability usually manifests itself in the form of irritability and anger.. In addition, as in women, they also experience sleep problems and lack of interest in almost everything.

What are the possible causes?

Although there are not a large number of studies or investigations about post-adoption depression, a series of factors or causes have been established that favor the appearance of the symptoms and feelings mentioned above.

In most cases, these causes are related to the generation of unrealistic expectations about what will happen after the about what will happen after the adoption process is completed, as well as the idealization of the role of parent. In addition, the long waiting periods for an adoption favor this ideal imagination.

As a consequence, once they perceive the reality in which they find themselves, parents may feel frustrated, parents may feel frustrated and guilty about their emotions.. In the same way, it is common to want to form a strong and quick bond of love with the new member of the family, without knowing that this bond is a slow and laborious process that can take months.

In addition, the feeling of lack of understanding on the part of family and friends tends to enhance this feeling of guilt, since the people around them usually do not understand why the parents do not feel happy for having fulfilled their dream.

How can this be dealt with?

First of all, it is necessary to be aware of the existence of post-adoption depression. Knowing about it and accepting that it is possible to suffer from it will reduce the degree of surprise and frustration in case it appears. In addition, it will help the person to prepare for the new emotions and feelings that he/she may experience.

There are a number of useful recommendations for coping with this new situationThere are a number of useful recommendations for coping with this new situation, as well as with the appearance of the symptoms of post-adoption depression:

• Extend maternity and paternity leave as much as possible in order to have more time to form the family bond.
• In the case of a single-parent adoption, enlist the help of another person, friend or family member, who can help reduce the workload and provide emotional support. and provide emotional support.
• Do activities with the child that strengthen the bond.
• Be aware that for a while the child will occupy almost 100% of your time.You should therefore be willing to sacrifice or pause other areas of your life temporarily. However, it is essential to reserve a little time for yourself.
• If you are adopting as a couple, it is necessary to invest time in your relationship with your partner. invest time in the relationship of both partnersOtherwise it can also be affected.
• Lose the fear of asking for professional help. Starting in the role of parent is a big change and a process of adaptation, so the professional help of a psychologist can be essential.