November is National Adoption Awareness Month (NAAM). It’s a time dedicated to education and storytelling and our social media feeds are sure to be inundated with a variety of adoption related topics.
I don’t know about you, but my social media is full of adoption accounts from individuals providing education to organizations who are actively working to change the adoption landscape. NAAM can be a great time to lean in and engage with the adoption community, but it can also evoke a wide range of emotions for triad members. Protecting your mental health during this time is crucial. Here’s why it matters and how you can set boundaries to safeguard your well-being.
Understanding the Emotional Landscape
Adoption is filled with unique experiences and emotions. For many, NAAM can be a time of reflection on personal journeys, loss, love, and identity. NAAM can be emotionally exhausting and it’s common for feelings of grief, joy, and anxiety to surface, which can be overwhelming. Being mindful of your mental health during this month allows you to navigate these emotions more effectively and maintain a healthy perspective on your experience.
Why Mental Health Matters
- Emotional Resilience: Acknowledging your feelings can lead to greater emotional resilience. Taking care of your mental health helps you manage stress, anxiety, and any painful emotions related to adoption.
- Healthy Relationships: Mental well-being fosters better communication and understanding within families and communities. When you’re mentally healthy, you’re more equipped to support others on their adoption journey.
- Self-Care: Prioritizing mental health allows you to engage in self-care practices that rejuvenate and refresh your spirit.
Setting Boundaries to Protect Your Mental Health
Boundaries are essential for maintaining mental health, especially during emotionally charged times. Here are some practical ways to establish boundaries during National Adoption Awareness Month:
1. Limit Social Media Engagement
Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it provides a platform for connection and sharing, it can also lead to comparison, overwhelm, or exposure to negative stories. Not everyone is going to share the same perspectives or feelings about adoption.
Action Step: Curate your feed to follow accounts that aren’t triggering to you and your adoption journey and try not to engage in online debates that only produce negative results. Some people will never agree with you, and it can be taxing trying to keep up with online debates. It’s OK to unfollow, even if temporarily, accounts that might bring up negative feelings.
2. Prioritize Self-Reflection
Take time for introspection about your feelings related to adoption. Journaling or engaging in creative outlets can help process your thoughts.
Action Step: Set aside regular “quiet time” each week for self-reflection. This could be through journaling, prayer, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment in nature.
3. Establish “Off” Days
In a month dedicated to adoption, it can be beneficial to have days where you take a break from adoption-related discussions, events, or media.
Action Step: Mark a few days on your calendar as “off days” where you can focus on activities that bring you joy and relaxation, without the weight of adoption-related topics. This is especially helpful to avoid burnout.
4. Schedule That Therapy Appointment
If feelings become overwhelming, seeking guidance from a therapist, counselor, or mentor experienced in adoption issues can be invaluable.
Action Step: Be proactive and consider scheduling a therapy session or two during November to help navigate any complex emotions that arise. Meet with a trusted friend or mentor to discuss some of the content you are seeing online. The perspective of a trusted friend can help us feel supported.
5. Pursue Your Glimmers
A glimmer is the opposite of a trigger. It is anything that brings richness to your life. Use this month as an opportunity to participate in activities that uplift your spirit, whether it’s volunteering, engaging in hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
Action Step: Create a list of activities that make you happy and set a goal to engage in at least one each week. They can be simple, like making your coffee with extra whipped cream or listening to your favorite song on repeat. Some grander ideas are attending an art class, eating at your favorite restaurant with a group of friends, or planting a new garden.
Through intentional boundary-setting, you can navigate National Adoption Awareness Month with grace and resilience. By protecting your mental space, you not only honor your own journey but also create a healthier environment for others involved in the adoption process. Remember, taking care of yourself is an important step in being able to support others.