Post natal depression?

Question

Is it possible for APs to suffer some form of post natal depression once they have adopted? I guess it doesnt matter if you havent gave birth to that child, because I know that when I had my first child, I did not bond with her at all.

Can this be the same for APs?

Answer 1

If you did not bond with your first child, excuse me, but WTF are you doing adopting??

No, APs do not get post natal depression.  They are more likely to get Buyer's Remorse."

Answer 2

maybe not post natal depression just post new mum wanting every think to be just right for the child , and struggling alittle, we want it to be perfect from day one and you maybe anxious that you aren't doing things properly or the child isn't as content as you wanted with all things new its a learning process even for the child be the child biological or not

Answer 3

If you   are thinking of the " depression" sode of it,  yes. Your life has gone thru a serious change and your   sleeping eating and  everything has changed.

Answer 4

I dont think you can attribute it to Post Natal depression as that is hormonal but it does seem like a form of depression.  But definately seek help immediately

Answer 5

Yes!  I did.  It isn't hormones, so not the same as postpartum depression.  It comes from a major life change.  

You've gone through the preparation, the waiting (perhaps TTC and fertility treatments), placement, the stress in the foster adopt, and waiting to finalize.  Plus the fatigue of caring for a newborn.

This doesn't mean you are a bad person and it doesn't mean that you are ambivalent about the adoption.  It means you are a normal human being and are experiencing a life change.  

Try to take some time for yourself if you can.  If this is not possible, talk to your doctor or get some counseling.

Good luck and hang in there!

Answer 6

i don't think its possible because new mothers get it mainly because their hormones are all over the place.

Answer 7

I'm sure they can suffer from some kind of depression, difficulty in adjusting to the new parental role, in having a child in the home when previously there were none.  While it's not post natal or post partum (these are directly related to childbirth and are attributed to the hormonal fluctuations from pregnancy and childbirth), any major life change such as adoption could also bring a sense of depression and difficulty in adjusting to a new lifestyle, I suppose.

And yes, I suppose in adoption, some adoptive parents may bond more easily than others, compounding the problem.

Answer 8

When did you leave South Africa?

Answer 9

I think depression is quite often mistaken for postpartem blues (which is a form of depression).  And yes I do believe people can suffer some form of depression shortly after both birth and adoption.  Postpartem blues is depression initiated by the hormones going crazy after birth.  It is normal to suffer a short period of depression or anxiety after you bring a new child into your home.  It is a huge responsibility and to not give it due consideration would be unusual to me.  I've done both and believe me after bringing them home I spent a few days wondering if I should be laughing or crying.  Questions like these are why I like this site.  I had never thought about it until you asked.  Thanks.

Answer 10

There is often some form of depression felt by adoptive parents. NOT post natal, since their wasn't a natal period. But depression none the less.

I do not, nor will I ever, believe it is on par with PPD. There are no hormonal factors. I suffered postpartum depression and/or psychosis after all of my pregnancies. It had nothing to do with the stress of becoming a parent or the increased responsibility. It was based on my hormone levels, it was terrifying. I doubt that it would be possible for an otherwise emotionally healthy adopter to develop a psychosis simply from adopting. A bit of the blues  or some "normal" depression maybe. Psychosis? Nope. Find me an adopter who tries to off themselves only because they adopted and I will believe it is on par with postpartum depression.

Answer 11

post-adoption depression-sure.

post-natal/partum-no.

the post-natal/partum depression stems primarily from the hormonal fluctuations of giving birth.  the two are mutually exclusive.

Answer 12

Not possable, if you do not give birth to the child you do not have the hormon changes.This is what causes the depression after giving birth.

AP's sure can feel a sence of depression but it is not post-partum depression.