How to Cope With The Adoption Wait

It’s no secret that the adoption process can be an emotional roller coaster for everyone involved. Although it can be hard to cope with the ups and downs, it’s important to process these feelings during the adoption wait.

If you find yourself wondering how to cope with the adoption wait, then you’re not alone. There are many adoptive families who have struggled with the stress of waiting to adopt and know firsthand how you’re feeling.

Whether you have experienced an adoption wait or are currently waiting, this guide will explain five common emotions that many adoptive families feel when they’re waiting for an adoption opportunity.

If you have any questions about how to cope with the adoption wait, then you can get free adoption information now and fill out this contact form

5 Common Emotions during the Adoption Wait

Waiting for an adoption opportunity can be frustrating, but knowing how to cope with the adoption wait can make handling your emotions easier. There are many complicated emotions you might be feeling, so remember that you can always reach out to your adoption specialist at any point throughout the adoption process.

Below are five common emotions you might be feeling as you “survive” the adoption wait.

1. Anxiety

There will be days when you feel stressed and intimidated as you wait for an adoption opportunity. You may wonder what’s taking so long. When you find yourself anxious, try and refocus on the purpose of adoption. Remember why you’re on this journey and that the end goal is to fulfill your dream of becoming a parent.

2. Frustration

It’s normal to feel frustrated, especially when you’re dealing with the stress of waiting to adopt. There will be times when things might not go as planned, and accepting that things are out of your control will help you cope with the adoption wait.

Having the mindset that enduring this frustration will lead to parenthood can make waiting for an adoption opportunity much easier. Many things have to match up before the perfect adoption opportunity comes along, and it can take some time for that to occur. Rather than becoming more frustrated and disappointed, keep in mind that there’s only so much to do to control the adoption wait.

“That was the hardest point from the very beginning: At what point do you stop waiting,” Nancy said about her adoption experience. “Adellena’s middle name is Hope, and we held out hope to the very end until it all came together. It was just meant to be.”

3. Sadness

This emotion is common among adoptive families. You might be sad because of how long the adoption wait is, or you might put yourself in the birth mother’s shoes and empathize with how they’re feeling. Either way, if you’re experiencing adoption wait depression, it’s important to contact your adoption specialist so they can get you the help you need.

Talking to someone about your feelings can help you cope with the adoption wait. Your adoption professional is trained to help you sort through your emotions. Remember that the right adoption opportunity will come when it’s right for you.

“The adoption would not have happened without our social workers,” Jaime said about her experience with her adoption specialist. “They were there every step of the way and continue to support us as we go forward.”

4. Shock

You may feel shocked when you realize how long it might take to find an adoption opportunity. When you feel like you’ve already been waiting for a long time, it may come as a surprise to know that there is not much you can do to control the adoption wait.

Many families experience shock throughout the entire adoption process from finding out how much paperwork they need to complete. Or, they may feel shocked by how many questions the home study process involves. This is a normal emotion to feel while you’re coping with the adoption wait. Make sure to surround yourself with supportive people who can help you process these feelings.

5. Excitement

The emotions you feel during the adoption wait can also be positive. This can be the focus point while you cope with the adoption wait, as it can help you think about why you chose adoption to begin with. The excitement you feel when you find out that your home study is approved and you can begin your journey is unlike any other.

This emotion will be the foundation that can help you cope with the stress of waiting to adopt. Remembering the end goal and that your family will soon be complete can keep the excitement alive. On days when you’re feeling down about your adoption wait, we encourage you to channel these feelings into something good.

“Our advice for parents going through this tough adoption process is to be calm, go about your daily life, trust your instincts, trust American Adoptions and know that whatever is supposed to happen is going to happen,” Carlie said about her adoption experience. “Knowing what we know now, and finally having our little Hallie Rose, we would have waited longer for her. Our family is now complete.”

The road to adoption can be hard, but when you work with American Adoptions, we will make sure that you get the support you deserve. It’s important to remember that there are things you can’t control, and that’s OK. At the end of your journey, you’ll finally get to hold your baby.

If you have any questions about how to cope with the adoption wait or about beginning the adoption process with American Adoptions, then you can fill out our free contact form to get more adoption information now.

 

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