thinking of adoption, but dealing with mental illness

betta10

I'm new to the adoption board and a lurker on TTGP. My husband and I, both 31, have been TTC for a year. We have had no luck. We have decided to stop trying because I am bipolar and being off of meds has been too much for me to handle. I know that some people TTC on meds, but I'm not comfortable with that.

Anyway, seeing as this is probably not going to change we have starting talking about adoption. Has anyone else been in this boat? Dealing with a mental illness and trying to adopt? Is this a lost cause? I'm very stable when on meds and I'm sure my doctors would gladly explain this to any agency. We would be looking at domestic adoption.

Dr.Loretta

Hi and welcome. Congrats on your decision to pursue adoption!

We haven't dealt with mental illness directly, but we have had posters in the post who have had either physical illnesses (eg, cancer, chronic illnesses) or mental illnesses (depression, anxiety, etc.).

Our best advice typically is to be upfront with any agency/law firm/facilitator, etc. that you may want to work with, and see if it would be an issue. For domestic adoption, in most cases you'll just need a doctor's sign-off that you're controlled on your meds and are expected to live a normal lifespan. But again, asking an agency, etc. upfront will help you find who you can work with.

GL and post often.

betta10

Dr.Loretta:

Hi and welcome. Congrats on your decision to pursue adoption!

We haven't dealt with mental illness directly, but we have had posters in the post who have had either physical illnesses (eg, cancer, chronic illnesses) or mental illnesses (depression, anxiety, etc.).

Our best advice typically is to be upfront with any agency/law firm/facilitator, etc. that you may want to work with, and see if it would be an issue. For domestic adoption, in most cases you'll just need a doctor's sign-off that you're controlled on your meds and are expected to live a normal lifespan. But again, asking an agency, etc. upfront will help you find who you can work with.

GL and post often.

 

Thank you for the welcome.  I'll look back in the posts and see if I see anything. We might start calling agencies this week. We don't want to get our hopes up for something if they say no because of my bipolar. We've discussed adoption in the past, but never looked into it because I was worried about getting my heartbroken if they said no because of me. I'm trying to get over that because I'd rather know for sure than assume the worst.

Dr.Loretta

It's usually more of an issue with international adoptions. A lot of countries where IA occurs with Americans have a significant stigma still attached to mental illness, so it can be tough to qualify. You may be pleasantly surprised once you talk to a few places. Then you can determine your path forward.

I don't know if it's addressed at all in the FAQs, but you may want to take a peek there just in case.

fernane

I'm not 100% sure about private agencies but if you go through your state, you shouldn't have a problem as long as they know you're stable on the meds. GL!

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betta10

Thanks everyone. I'll be sure to keep you updated.