Exploring the Impact of Adoption on Mental Health: Insights from Adoptees
Introduction: In this blog post, we delve into a thought-provoking conversation about adoption and its impact on mental health. The discussion features Lia, Dr. Noelle, and Tosha, who share their personal experiences and insights. They shed light on the challenges faced by adoptees and emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental health support. From the systemic harm of reframing adoption to the role of therapy and self-care, their perspectives offer valuable lessons for adoptive parents and adoptees alike.
Adoptees and Mental Health: The conversation begins with Lia sharing her tweet about the need for therapy to be accessible for every adoptee throughout their lives. Dr. Noelle and Tosha wholeheartedly agree, highlighting the importance of reparations and mental health care for adoptees. They stress that mental health support should be considered an essential component of the adoption process, benefitting both the adoptee and the adoptive parents.
The Impact of 'Cosplaying' and Feeling Disposable: The discussion then turns to the psychological impact of feeling like someone else's child. Lia opens up about her personal experience, expressing how she struggled with feelings of never being good enough and a constant fear of being replaced. She also reveals the doubts and questions that arose during moments of abuse, wondering if her adoption played a role in her victimization. Dr. Noelle and Tosha relate to these sentiments, sharing their own stories of feeling like strangers and the pressure to fit a certain mold imposed by others.
Mental Health Challenges and Suicidal Ideation: The conversation takes a more profound turn as Dr. Noelle bravely shares her lifelong struggle with suicidal ideation. She emphasizes the need to address the deep-rooted challenges adoptees face and acknowledges the lack of space to process these emotions. Tosha also adds her experiences, highlighting the dark periods and the profound sadness that persists within her. The group discusses the higher rates of suicide attempts among adoptees and the lifelong sentence of grappling with adoption-related emotions.
Speaking Out and Mental Health: The trio reflects on how speaking about their life experiences impacts their mental health. Lia mentions how sharing her story on social media can be therapeutic, despite occasional challenges. Dr. Noelle shares how she often feels drained and emptied after discussing her experiences, while Tosha highlights the need for finding a community and having supportive conversations that validate their experiences.
Prioritizing Mental Health: Advice and Coping Mechanisms: When asked about advice for adoptive parents and adoptees regarding mental health, Dr. Noelle underscores the importance of finding a therapist who understands adoption trauma. She stresses that adoptive parents should prioritize mental health care for their children and foster a safe space for open dialogue. Tosha encourages adoptees to seek therapy sooner and pay attention to their emotional well-being. The conversation also touches on the therapeutic role of music, performance, hobbies, and advocacy work as coping mechanisms.
Systemic Gaslighting and Prioritizing Mental Health: A poignant statement shared by someone on Twitter highlights the need to address the systemic harm caused by reframing adoption in favor of adopters. The participants affirm the sentiment, acknowledging the societal gaslighting adopted individuals experience from childhood and the necessity of acknowledging and rectifying this harmful dynamic.
Conclusion: The conversation between Lia, Dr. Noelle, and Tosha brings to light the profound impact of adoption on mental health. It highlights the need for adoptive parents to prioritize mental health support for their children and emphasizes the significance of therapy and self-care for adoptees. By sharing their personal experiences, the participants shed light on the challenges faced by adoptees and advocate for a more inclusive and understanding approach to adoption. Ultimately, their insights serve as a reminder to prioritize mental health for the well-being of adoptees and the betterment of the adoption process as a whole.