Infertility
Infertility is a disease. It is a medical condition not unlike other medical conditions – it affects all aspects of your life. It can create one of the most stressful life crises that an individual or couple has ever experienced and can affect your relationship with others, your perspective on life and how you feel about yourself.
Feelings of grief, loss, guilt, shame, disappointment, anxiety, depression and isolation are normal. Dealing with the multitude of medical decisions and the uncertainties that infertility brings can create great emotional turmoil for most people.
Whether you are beginning to explore your infertility treatment options or you have been through many treatments already, the sense of loss and disappointment and the emotions of feeling out of control are real. Research shows that depression among women with infertility is similar to those with cancer or heart disease. Men also experience sadness and anxiety around infertility. You deserve support and a space to process all that you are going through as you navigate and negotiate the many thoughts and feelings that arise.
Counseling can help if you are experiencing any of the following:
• loss of interest in activities
• depression that doesn't lift
• strained relationships
• difficulty thinking of anything other than your infertility
• significant anxiety
• inability to accomplish tasks
• difficulty concentrating
• changes in your sleep patterns
• changes in your appetite or weight
• social isolation
• persistent feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• persistent feelings of bitterness or anger
There are many different reasons for seeking infertility counseling that can include the following:
• learning to cope with the many emotions of infertility
• processing the grief of pregnancy loss/stillbirth/TFMR/selective reduction
• ways to effectively communicate with your partner/spouse
• how to choose the right medical treatment
• how to advocate for your care and communicate with your medical team
• exploring other family building options ways to respond to family, friends and acquaintances about your infertility journey
• managing the day to day emotional stresses related to infertility
“Its hard to wait around for something you know might never happen, but its even harder to give up when you know its everything you want”
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