mental illness and adoption eligibility

Part of the process is getting a Dr. to sign off that you are healthy and able to be a parent. Shouldn't be an issue if your Dr. is able to provide the necessary recommendations concerning your current state of mind and health. Having mental illness isn't a deterrent as long as you are under a doctors care.

Are you worried that agencies will reject you, or are you worried about how you will be as parent?

You say your most recent hospitalization was 4 years ago - how long have you been really stable (not just out of the hospital)? That will be a factor as well. CaddoRose is right about the doctor signing off, and they may also want a letter from your therapist and/ or psychiatrist.One thing to think about is that both adoption and parenting are really stressful, at least at times. Have you talked this over with your therapist and looked at how it might affect you and how you would deal with the emotions both parenting and adoption might bring up? If not, I would suggest it.My past has been less than picture-perfect. Many APs are the same - we have had struggles. My agency told me when I was starting the homestudy that those struggles could be a very positive thing, since I might be able to have more understanding and compassion for emoms than someone who had not had much to overcome in their lives. In some ways I think I'm a better parents for some of what I've gone through as well. It is, however, really important to take care of yourself as a parent regardless, and doubly so when you deal with mental illness. I think planning for that ahead of time would both help an agency feel comfortable and you manage your needs along with parenting.

You say your most recent hospitalization was 4 years ago - how long have you been really stable (not just out of the hospital)? That will be a factor as well. CaddoRose is right about the doctor signing off, and they may also want a letter from your therapist and/ or psychiatrist. One thing to think about is that both adoption and parenting are really stressful, at least at times. Have you talked this over with your therapist and looked at how it might affect you and how you would deal with the emotions both parenting and adoption might bring up? If not, I would suggest it. My past has been less than picture-perfect. Many APs are the same - we have had struggles. My agency told me when I was starting the homestudy that those struggles could be a very positive thing, since I might be able to have more understanding and compassion for emoms than someone who had not had much to overcome in their lives. In some ways I think I'm a better parents for some of what I've gone through as well. It is, however, really important to take care of yourself as a parent regardless, and doubly so when you deal with mental illness. I think planning for that ahead of time would both help an agency feel comfortable and you manage your needs along with parenting.

To be honest, I'd say I've only really been stable these past three years. I've talked to both my psychiatrist and therapist about adoption, and they are supportive of the idea, though I'm not sure what timeframe they are thinking of. Definitely something to think about myself as well.It's good to hear that agencies will take my doctor and therapist's opinions into account. I was afraid they would simply look at my diagnosis and reject us outright.

To be honest, I'd say I've only really been stable these past three years. I've talked to both my psychiatrist and therapist about adoption, and they are supportive of the idea, though I'm not sure what timeframe they are thinking of. Definitely something to think about myself as well. It's good to hear that agencies will take my doctor and therapist's opinions into account. I was afraid they would simply look at my diagnosis and reject us outright.