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Adoptionpp April 28, 2019 20:19

https://www.thechaosandtheclutter.com/archives/secondary-trauma-in-adoptive-moms

Is this commonly known by our post adoption services and would be good to know if anyone has experienced this and what help was received? NHS or Adoption agencies..

Some of the signs of secondary trauma include:

-having difficulty talking about your feelings

-feeling diminished joy towards things you once enjoyed

-feeling trapped

-having a limited range of emotion but anger and irritation always being present

-having an exaggerated startle response

-intrusive thoughts of your child’s history

-nightmares

-feelings of hopelessness

-trouble sleeping

-worrying

-exhaustion

-apathy

-problems with intimacy

-feeling withdrawn and isolated

-feeling impatient

-questioning your worldview

-feeling detached

-low self-image

-perfectionism

Useful strategies listed which may be of help

Edited 17/02/2021

Adoptionpp April 28, 2019 20:24

Edited 17/02/2021

Safia April 28, 2019 23:13

I replied on the original thread. I have had help through the helpline of the organisation supporting my daughter. It is not specifically adoption related - and not NHS - it is a charity - my daughters therapy is paid by the NHS - mine is free to me so presumably paid by the charity - the service is for people with learning difficulties or autism who have been victims of trauma - specifically sexual assault / abuse - they are very trauma aware and also attachment aware but also specifically address things in a way that is suited to people with learning difficulties. I had 8mths of weekly sessions then a break for a year because of the high number of emergency referrals then it was started again about a year ago. It is actually high quality therapy and my therapist is able both to help me and advise on supporting my daughter.

Edited 17/02/2021

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Secondary Trauma in Adoptive parents

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