Infertility

Having a baby. You (or you and your partner) make the decision that you are ready to try. You wait with bated breath each month, only to be met with yet another negative pregnancy test.

Infertility may mean having to navigate numerous medical decisions, asking yourself "Did I make the right choice?" each step of the way. You may blame yourself and ask "What did I do wrong?"

Infertility can result in significant feelings of loss: loss of control, loss of expectations, loss of your sense of self. And you may feel all alone, even if you have a supportive partner.

Infertility is a disease. And similar to other serious medical conditions, the crisis of infertility can have a lasting impact on your emotional health.

You may experience a roller coaster of emotions with every passing month, with every doctor visit, and with every pregnancy and birth announcement from friends and family and on social media. Your emotions are valid. And you deserve support.

How can counseling help?

Emotional ups and downs are a part of infertility treatment. Feeling overwhelmed at times is a perfectly normal response.

However, if you experience any of the following symptoms over a prolonged period of time, you may benefit from counseling:

• loss of interest in usual activities

• depression that doesn't lift

• strained interpersonal relationships (with partner, family, friends and/or colleagues)

• difficulty thinking of anything other than your infertility

• high levels of anxiety

• diminished ability to accomplish tasks

• difficulty with concentration

• change in your sleep patterns (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, early morning awakening, sleeping more than usual for you)

• change in your appetite or weight (increase or decrease)

• increased use of drugs or alcohol

• thoughts about death or suicide

• social isolation

• persistent feelings of pessimism, guilt, or worthlessness

• persistent feelings of bitterness or anger