About 10 percent of American females experience difficulties with infertility (getting or staying pregnant). The relationship between female infertility and mental health can be complicated. During this time, many women struggle with varying emotions related to shame, fear, sadness, and anger. Moreover, they may not know how to cope, which can exacerbate the intensity of these feelings.
Understanding the dynamic for female infertility and mental health is vital for both women and their loved ones. Read on for more information about what you need to know.
Common Infertility Mental Health Issues
Female infertility and mental health can be a tremendous strain on both individuals and couples. Women struggling with infertility can experience a variety of emotional issues.
Mental health and infertility symptoms to look out for:
- Heightened feelings of anxiety and panic
- Problems within interpersonal relationships
- Loss of interest in normal or pleasurable activities
- Lingering feelings of depression, sadness, or apathy
- Increased substance use
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in weight and/or appetite
- Increased feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Persistent feelings of anger and resentment
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Without proper treatment, female infertility and mental health symptoms can progressively worsen. For example, some people find themselves experiencing inconsolable despair at the sight of a pregnant woman or the beginning of a menstrual cycle. Others experience anger or resentment towards themselves or partners for health issues attributed to infertility.
Taking Care Of Your Mental Health
Infertility mental health professionals recognize how this struggle can impact your feelings, relationships, and self-esteem. They understand that infertility isn’t just about “getting pregnant.” Sometimes, it’s about accepting unknown answers, recreating a sense of identity and purpose, and providing a space for grief and loss.
Female infertility and mental health are different for every woman. There isn’t a right or wrong way to “feel” during this time. However, by taking care of your mental health, you honor the importance of your inherent self-worth.
Professional therapy provides you with space to process your feelings. You don’t have to worry about what you’re “supposed to say” or what “others will think.” Therapy is all about you having a space to share, discover, and learn more about your inner self.
Many therapists emphasize the importance of self-care when faced with significant life stressors. Self-care is rooted in practicing acceptance, self-kindness, and even gratitude. And when it comes to your female infertility and mental health, self-care can be an essential part of your treatment.
Seeking Infertility Mental Health Treatment
All individuals and couples respond to their infertility struggles differently. However, if you are having a hard time, you shouldn’t ignore your female infertility and mental health issues.
Regardless of what you may think, your emotions do not make you weak or broken. Likewise, taking care of yourself—and seeking the help you need—will help you feel more empowered.
If you’ve lost hope, we will work to help you restore it. Contact Lumos Counseling PC today to schedule your free consultation.