Adoption & Grief: Navigating Loss and Identity

In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Lia, Noelle, and Tosha explore the complex intersection of adoption and grief, diving into how adoptees often experience deep emotional losses that are rarely acknowledged. They discuss topics such as the erasure of identity through name changes, longing for connection, the impact of secrecy, and how grief manifests both emotionally and physically. This candid conversation sheds light on the unique grief adoptees carry and the importance of finding support and healing.

In this episode, we cover:

• (00:05) Introduction to co-hosts and reflections on the podcast's growing audience.
• (01:03) How name changes impact identity and grief.
• (04:22) The emotional and physical manifestations of grief in adoptees.
• (07:14) Feeling like an outsider within adoptive and biological families.
• (08:42) Grieving alone and the lack of validation for adoptee grief.
• (09:40) Statistics on adoptee mental health and how adoption is trauma.
• (11:07) The importance of adoption-competent therapy and peer support.
• (16:18) The impact of secrecy and being forced to hide the truth.
• (19:44) Searching for biological family members and unmet expectations.
• (22:56) Finding healing and community through writing, creative expression, and peer support.
• (27:44) Creating a safe space for adult survivors of the child welfare system.

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Listen to these episodes next:

• Episode 1
• Episode 2
• Episode 3

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Editing by Samuel Oyedele (Editor)

Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast. Support his work on Instagram or email him at [email protected].