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Post-adoption Depression
What You Don't Know Can Hurt You By Ninotchka Beavers
In recent times, media have widely reported on the subject of postpartum depression. After years of being ignored or simply overlooked in thousands of patients, it seems progress is being made in the diagnosis and treatment of this very serious condition.
Furthermore, it is no longer a "dirty little secret." New mothers can openly reach out and receive the help they desperately need during this very fragile and pivotal time in their lives. There are support groups, medications and experienced professionals at their disposal. Not so for post-adoption depression (PAD).
According to Harriet McCarthy, who conducted a survey for Eastern European Adoption Coalition (EEAC), as many as 65 percent of adoptive mothers are affected by PAD. Surprisingly, this is a condition that has been disregarded until now. Due in large part to adoption issue advocates, such as McCarthy, the myths and facts of PAD are slowly emerging, giving adoptive parents the validation and support that are long overdue.
There are a handful of Web sites that hold some of the answers. The truth is, as with any emotional disorder, a sufferer's best bet in diagnosing this disorder and treatment for it is to consult a professional. In this case, a social worker, adoption expert, pediatrician and/or family doctor are all good resources that can point a person in the right direction.
Still, how is it treated? What are the long-term effects? The questions are endless because this is such a "young" disorder. Frankly, it's amazing that it's taken this long to emerge.
Parenthood is exhausting, especially in the early days when you are sleep deprived and completely emotionally invested, catering to the sheer survival of this new little someone. It doesn't matter how that "little someone" came to be. Caring for a child ishard
