It is not surprising that many women and some men suffer from depression and anxiety when faced with fertility challenges. The ups and downs of infertility and its treatment drain the spirit right out of people. I hear daily the intensity of the experience, “This is personal. I feel invisible in the world. This is physical. I hate my body. I am demoralized and afraid. This is expensive. I have no control and I feel out of control. This has taken over my life. I’m so worried about my relationship.”
Some women have mood consequences from using birth control pills and ovarian stimulation medication, on top of the fear of not having a child. For many of the people I see, the following “formula” captures their experience:
Uncertain Outcome of Procedures + Uncertain Length of Time + Internal/External Pressure + Medications + Fear = DEPRESSION and ANXIETY.
It is important to distinguish between depression and grief when dealing with fertility challenges. Grief hurts but it does not lead the thinking process toward self-hatred and negative thinking. Depression is a heaviness all its own.
Help is Available at Partners in Healing
Our integrated fertility team at Partner in Healing can help. We provide:
- Specialized counseling for individuals and couples who are suffering from fertility challenges, that includes hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing);
- Acupuncture and Chinese medicine;
- Naturopathic medicine and nutritional counseling; and
- Medical massage aimed at reclaiming your body from the rigors of treatment. We collaborate with national and local leaders specializing in fertility treatment. Let us help you regain your sense of wholeness and rebuild hope as you build your family.
By Deborah Simmons, PhD, LMFT