I have Bipolar Disorder Type II and I've looked into Adoption. I had assumed I couldn't adopt but I think it varies by state and then it is also dependent on an individual country's policy if you are looking into international adoption.

I'm in NSW and this is what I found out. Schizophrenia is an outright refusal. Bipolar Disorder is dependent on a few variables: You need a statement from your Psychiatrist that you are compliant to treatment and you are stable; You must not have been hospitalised for your illness (I think ever but I'm not sure on that); You must have been in stable employment for more than 2 years. I think the same applies to diagnoses of Major Depression (ie. an ongoing mental illness characterised by depression) and as far as I can remember straight clinical depression was not an issue (ie. post-natal or a period of depression that passed even if you were treated for it).

If you suffer from Depression I would certainly move forward in the process and ask the question. The things they are looking for are stability, compliance to treatment etc so things like employment, stable and long-term marriage or relationship, etc are things that will go in your favour so emphasise those and don't lead with your Depression, just state it if they ask.