How To Cope With Infertility Stress?
For some couples, infertility stress can have a negative effect on their life. Some women see infertility as a major life crisis.
Trying to conceive without success can be very stressful for you and your partner. Going through the various fertility tests can be very tough both emotionally and physically. Then the shocking diagnosis of infertility can be too much for you to cope. The costs of infertility tests and treatments can be a burden and add more stress on you.
You are probably experiencing an array of emotions as you deal with infertility stress. You may experience intense feelings of sadness, anger, shame, fear, resentment and loneliness. Over a period of time, these feelings can turn into anxiety and depression. You can’t stop thinking about your infertility problems. You are unable to concentrate on your usual activities and begin to lose interests in them. You are having strained relationships with your partner, family, friends and colleagues and you feel isolated. You can’t eat and sleep well.
Infertility Depression
If you are experiencing depression for a prolonged period of time, you may want to seek help from a mental health professional. Signs of depression are:
- Unable to concentrate on whatever you are doing
- Feel hopeless
- Not interested to perform your normal activities
- Don’t have energy to do anything
- Have sleeping problems
- Gain or lose significant weight suddenly
- Obsess and preoccupied with fertility
- Have strong feeling of anger and resentment
- Have increased anxiety
- Keep thinking of suicide or death
Couples
Man usually reacts differently to stress. He thinks he is emotionally and physically strong and is reluctant to express his feelings to anyone. He may feel overwhelmed by your emotions but do not know what to do. He may change his focus on other things that interests him like work and hobbies. If he is the one who has infertility problem, he may feel inadequate and ashamed. He may feel too embarrassed to go for medical treatment or emotional support. Both of you may stop enjoying sex as it reminds you of your infertility. You may have disagreement and conflicts at times.
Here are a few things you and your partner can do to cope with infertility stress.
- Discuss your emotions and fears with your partner.
- Some disagreement may arise out of your emotions but it is important to have each other’s support during this stressful time.
- See the doctor together and give emotional support to each other as you go through the tests and treatments.
- Try to enjoy sex together.
- Focus your time and energy on your relationship. You can find hobbies or activities you can do together.
- Consider seeking a professional counsellor for help. Counselling may not only alleviate your infertility stress but may also make your relationship stronger as you provide one another with emotional support.
Family and Friends
You may have to deal with family and friends who make insensitive remarks that hurt your feelings. If you explain your situation to them, your true and loving family and friends can give you tremendous support.
Infertility Support Group
You can also find support group online to get some emotional support. You can find these groups by typing in “infertility support group” on Google.com.
Remember that being infertile is not the end of the world. Even if your infertility treatment is yielding no result, you have many other options. Don’t let your infertility stress get out of control. Take care of your health.
