Mental Health Impact: Finding Emotional Support for Infertility
When couples and individuals dream of having a baby, they often picture nursery decorations, birthing classes and discussions about the perfect name. The struggle of infertility likely never enters that picture. For the 1 in 8 couples dealing with infertility, this difficulty in getting pregnant can take wreak havoc on their emotional and mental wellbeing. At our Northern Louisiana fertility clinic, David T. Vandermolen MD, MS, and our entire team provide comprehensive medical care and emotional support for infertility.
The relationship between mental health and infertility
Although infertility affects the reproductive system, many patients and their partners also see a direct impact with mental health and infertility. The stress and disappointment of trying to conceive without success can lead to feelings of anger, sadness and isolation. Dr. Vandermolen believes safeguarding your mental health is as important as caring for your physical health while on this difficult path to parenthood.
How to get emotional support for infertility
While you may feel discouraged and hopeless during this process, resources exist to enable you to find emotional support for infertility. Developing positive methods for addressing mental health and infertility can produce better tools for coping with the situation. Our Northern Louisiana fertility clinic offers several tips for handling your stress.
- Don’t stuff your feelings. Identify the guilt, shame, frustration and grief you may have about struggling to have a baby. Ignoring these emotions, or pretending they don’t exist, can create additional stress in your life.
- Lean on each other. It’s easy to think you are protecting your partner, but not sharing your feelings with each other can create a wedge between the two of you. Honest communications about your struggles can strengthen your connection with each other.
- Find a support group. Joining an online or in-person infertility group, such as RESOLVE, can give you a sense of community and help you feel less alone.
- Practice self-care. During this tough period, be gentle with yourself. Finding a relaxing activity you enjoy, such as walking, yoga or meditation, can allow you to find peace in the storm of infertility.
Your journey to becoming a parent may not look the way you expected. The ArkLaTex Fertility team stands ready to walk beside you each step of the way. Contact our Northern Louisiana fertility clinic office to make an appointment and get emotional support for infertility from our caring team.