“Adopted child suffering from depression?”
We recently adopted a child and she suffers from depression. How do we help her feel more comfortable?
7 Answers
Many adopted children will struggle with depression because of the environments that they came from and significant losses or unhealthy attachments. It is always best to get professional guidance for the specifics of each child. However, a parent should always offer to listen and validate their experience, remind them that they are loved to the point they are sick of hearing it, and help them identify personal coping skills that are effective such as hobbies that spark joy.
Hello and thank you for your question. This question is complicated because there are various unknowns (ie: the age of the child, history of depression, is it circumstantial, has the child been professionally diagnosed, etc). I think discussing with her that you believe it is important to talk about how she is thinking and feeling is vital. Also, how do you know she is uncomfortable? She can be comfortable in her surrounding and still suffer from depression. I suggest you seek a child therapist and attend the session with her at times to provide another layer of support to this child. Warmest Regards.
You may need to seek professional advice. Other than that, simply love her and try to keep her busy with things she enjoys.
With love and care and supportive steady environment, and see child psychiatrist
Olga Tchikindas
PRINCETON, NJ
Adoption of a child is a noble thing to do. See therapist, preferably specializing in adoption, to get professional consultation and help. Therapist will suggest if child needs consultation of psychiatrist. Also a good advice you can get from pediatrician. Good luck!
If her depression is not so severe that she is dysfunctional, she my not need a psychiatric evaluation at this time. You two can help your child by being warm and affectionate to the degree the child is comfortable with affection. You can also be interested in hearing about the depression and what the child can tell you about the sources of the depression. Acceptance and understanding can be very helpful.
Here is link for parents who are looking for ideas to help their children deal with depression:
https://blogs.psychcentral.com/coping-depression/2017/09/how-parents-can-help-teenagers-cope-with-depression/
https://blogs.psychcentral.com/coping-depression/2017/09/how-parents-can-help-teenagers-cope-with-depression/
