March is Mental Health Awareness Month
This session continues our aim to openly confront the often hidden and painful truths that many male-identifying adoptees face: intense feelings of loss, identity confusion, depression and anxiety, and substance use. These challenges are often ignored or silently suffered in isolation. 'Cryin' with Ryan' provides a confidential, identity-centered space for male-identifying adoptees to name those experiences and be witnessed without judgment.
Our fourth meeting will center on how we incorporate therapy and other support into our lives, including finding therapists who respect adoptee perspectives, balancing therapy with work and family, using peer support alongside professional care, and practical strategies for continuing care through setbacks. We will also hold an open, guided conversation about mental illness in our community, sharing observations, stories, and questions about depression, anxiety, and substance use without presuming adoption is the sole cause.
Instead, we will invite organic reflections on whether and how adoption-related themes intersect with mental health. As always, Cryin' with Ryan aims to foster a respectful, nonjudgmental environment where men can share coping strategies, learn practical ideas for accessing support, and leave feeling understood and less isolated. All male-identifying adoptees are welcome.