By Lindsay Parkoo

When doing all the steps in the adoption process, a lot of birth mothers will feel a lot of emotions. They might feel drained or overwhelmed, for example. Many birth mothers experience grief and depression throughout the journey. While these two emotions are very similar on the surface, it’s important to know the distinctions between them. Mixing up one for the other can be serious. After all, grief is notably easier to manage than depression. That’s why we will take the time to tell you about the differences between grief and depression. In this, we encourage you to ask for help when either emotion pops up in your journey. 

What Grief Looks Like in Adoption in Las Vegas

Grief is a universal emotion. This is especially the case when it comes to adoption in Nevada. However, the way birth parents experience grief can be a little different. Every birth parent’s adoption journey is different. Each birth mother’s adoption plan is different, just like how each birth mother handles and anticipates her grief. With grief, your emotions can come in waves at different times and in different stages. It’s also not easy to predict when you feel it or for how long. Grief is also intermixed with other emotions, such as denial, shock, anger, and acceptance. For a birth mother experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, she may feel denial when giving up a baby for adoption. She might feel grief for the future she could’ve had with her child. There’s also the sadness that might come from seeing others in her situation. 

For some, the grief might come all at once. With others, it might be a slow build over time. At first, small things you notice can trigger your grief, and it can be hard to deal with the unpredictability. 

However, as time goes on, you’ll start to recognize and anticipate the things that might set you off. You might start to see patterns in how your grief manifests and how long it lasts. In that, you can build a system of methods that help you manage that grief. If you reach out to adoption agencies in Nevada, you’ll be greeted by people who can help you. They will undoubtedly have the experience needed as well. There will be days when you don’t feel it. When you do, know that you’re able to have a happy, fulfilling life despite the sadness. 

What Depression Looks Like in Adoption in Las Vegas

When looking at depression through the context of adoption in Nevada, there are things to note. Depression is a more serious emotion than grief. For one, Depression has more serious symptoms to deal with. It’s all-encompassing in its impact on people. Depression can hinder aspects of your life. You might find it hard to get up in the morning or feed yourself. Simple tasks become harder to get done when depression hangs over you like a dark cloud. There are other symptoms, too, such as insomnia or loss of appetite. While grief can leave room for reprieves now and then, depression often does not. 

Postpartum Depression is common among people who have gone through pregnancy. It’s just as common in women who choose to place their baby for adoption. Postpartum depression for birth mothers can look like physical exhaustion, sleep deprivation, loss of energy, and more. It can also include feelings of guilt or worthlessness. If experiencing Postpartum Depression, it’s important to talk to a professional about your specific symptoms. 

Waiting for depression to dissipate isn’t a good way to deal with it. What also doesn’t help is isolating yourself. Talk to others around you. A counselor that specializes in birth parent counseling will know how to treat you. Be kind to yourself and be patient. Don’t let what you’re going through go unnoticed, and seek help sooner rather than later. Adoption agencies and organizations like Adoption Choices of Nevada take depression in birth mothers very seriously. 

Seek Help and Adoption Care in Nevada

If you’re experiencing any depression or grief symptoms in the adoption process, don’t be afraid to reach out. We at Adoption Choices of Nevada are more than capable and happy to assist you in your journey to healing. We’ve seen countless birth mothers experience what you might be going through. So, no matter what your grief or depression does to you, we have counselors who are equipped and ready. Let us give you the tools you need to get back to yourself. Look up “adoption Las Vegas” and contact us soon.