doing my medical questionnaire now.

[journeytobeingadad]

So we have our medicals booked for Thursday morning. I am just getting my bit of the form filled in now. Of course i will be totally honest on there but i am worried they will pick up a lot on mental health.
I notice at the start it does say the medical is taken as a broad picture along with all other forms etc.
Main issue is my depression.

We both had difficult periods including some counselling and our SW said it was a positive we'd dealt with it. Can you show how you have done that and got help?

Mental health is so common these days and adoption agencies are aware of that. It’s more a matter of how you have overcome difficult patches. How you cope on a day to day basis. How will you cope when a little one is placed with you. Your support network and how they support you. Admitting to your agency that you will not hesitate to seek help in the future should you need it is always a good thing

The Doctor will have to be honest so you should too or they may think you hiding something worse that it is. Our SW also said it was good we had history of seeking help and it was a positive for us.

Good luck

I have no intention of being anything other than totally honest but its just a little bit scary writing things down. but in another way does make me think about things, for example what are my triggers etc
When you see things in black and white and there is a lot to go through.

I had significant mental health issues prior to and during the assessment process, Being able to draw on supports, know your triggers and how to look after yourself matters hugely. To be honest, once I got through the chaos that is early placement my mental health has never been better.

Be honest about how you usually cope, if you’ve been for counselling, taken medication etc. As long as you’re reasonably stable it shouldn’t make a difference the outcome.

Here is what i have put.... (i have removed dates and places so it is not identifiable)

Depression for several years. Bullying at school, trouble with self-esteem at a young age and a home life that was unpredictable with my dad out of work a lot. Early death of my nan in a hit and run. Difficulty in forming friendships following bullying.

I only sought counselling once at university when things became too much. This was around sept. I found this very helpful and saw a community psychiatric nurse at that time this was for around 2 years on and off. I then moved back home to my parents and did have a short period of 6 sessions with a counsellor from around August .Again this helped me in getting further back on track. I did continue to be on medication on and off. During my time in I have seen several Doctors who have helped me and attended a Road to Recovery course put on by the local health board. This has also provided me with the tools I need to better mental health moving forwards.

That sounds ok, are you able to talk about how your mental health is now, when you last needed support and the form that took? That would help them see where you are now. I saw a therapist all through my assessment and had a period of time off work - so some of my issues were current and ongoing, as long as you understand what it’s about and are actively working on it, it won’t necessarily hinder you.

I have added.... the below and am conscious of the need to recharge my batteries and reflect - even if we cant go on holiday i am taking time off work to get things done on the house and garden and am looking at ways to take time for myself.

Over the last 4 years I have spoken about my feelings to my GP on several occasions and feel I have progressed. I have gone down to 10mg citalopram and will be off this in the next few weeks. The adoption process is a stressful time and I know that I need to manage my physical and mental health so will be looking to explore how I can seek emotional help and support through this process so I am in the best possible place at the end of the process.

That sounds perfect - reflective and optimistic about the way ahead. Good luck!

Good luck OP I suffered from anxiety about 20 years ago, adopted 6 years ago. Mental health issues are so common now. Fortunately, they are much more easily talked about.