5 Simple Suggestions on Coping with Infertility Stress

Many people have life-long dreams of forming a family. While some are content with a loving two-member family, others would want to have a sprawling family tree. But sometimes, life doesn’t work out the way you hope it would.

In Canada, roughly 16 percent of couples are infertile. Although genetics and disorders are the underlying cause of infertility, environmental factors like stress play a part in it too. Sometimes, however, the inability to carry a child increases the levels of stress, anxiety, and sadness, creating a vicious cycle that takes a toll on people’s mental well-being.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, try to meet a counsellor specializing in fertility counselling or follow these simple tips:

Check on Your Mental Well-Being

Knowing when you are experiencing immense psychological burdens can help you address the issue early. The signs of psychological overload include: 

• Disorganization: Misplacing things and then finding them minutes later in front of you.
• Decision-Making Difficulties: Not making decisions when you are usually very decisive.
• Dependency Needs: Leaving tasks you used to enjoy doing to other people.

Focus on Self-Care Activities

Self-care means treating yourself better than you would your family and friends. Get enough sleep every night, exercise often, spend time alone outside or with your loved ones, and make sure you aren’t too busy to take care of yourself. In short, practise being your own best friend!

Talk to Someone

Infertility is a tough topic to bring up. Sometimes, you want to keep your medical issues private or avoid sharing stories with everyone. You may worry about keeping your job or dating options open if people find out you are dealing with infertility issues. 

But speaking with your partner, family, or trusted friend can help lighten the load. Going to fertility counselling may also help.

Prioritize Something Else

Getting a job can distract you from the anxiety and stress of infertility treatments and allow you to appreciate yourself and your skills. The sense of accomplishment you obtain from finishing projects can boost your confidence and help you feel self-respect. 

You can start a new hobby that can help you refocus your energy and thoughts. You can assemble a 1000-piece puzzle, paint on a canvass, or play video games.

Perform Cognitive Restructuring

When we think hopelessly, we convince ourselves and everyone around us that hope is not worth wasting energy on, and with enough of this kind of thinking, we can make it true. This is common in fertility treatment patients who give up on the treatment because they assume they cannot be helped. 

On the other hand, if you apply a positive attitude to your approach, we’re more likely to try strategies that lead to results that justify our hope—in other words, positive self-fulfilling prophecies.

Conclusion

In a figurative sense, infertility can chip away at a person’s mental health. As anxiety and stress build up, the inability to refocus these negative energies can be damaging. You should remember to check on your mental well-being, live in the present, practise self-care, attend fertility counselling, focus on something else, and try cognitive restructuring.

Infertility may feel like it is the end of the world—but it is not. Yes, it is devastating news, but there are other ways that can help you build a family. Perhaps this is the time to consider adoption or in-vitro procedures. Everything will be alright. We believe in you.

Are you looking for reputable centres that offer fertility counselling in Guelph, ON? Chettiar Counselling & Associates is at your service. We provide a safe space for couples and individuals to ease their minds and heal. Schedule an appointment today!