Darkness to Dialogue: Living Well With Mental Illness

When Belonging Hurts: The Hidden  Mental‑Health Challenges of Adoption Article Summary November is National Adoption Awareness Month , a time to celebrate adoption while acknowledging the complex emotional experiences adoptees often face. Many experience identity struggles, grief, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation, even in loving homes. Recognizing these challenges and learning strategies to navigate them supports mental health recovery and resilience. This post explores the hidden mental health challenges of adoption, shares research-backed insights, and provides practical coping strategies for adoptees, families, and allies seeking understanding. Living Between Two Worlds I grew up knowing I was adopted, but I rarely voiced my feelings. I didn’t want to hurt my adoptive parents or seem ungrateful. On the outside, everything looked happy and “normal,” but inside, I carried a mix of confusion, longing, and questions about my identity. During my teenage years, I remember si...