6 tips to avoid the negative emotional impact of infertility

As World Mental Health Day is approaching, we're suggesting how to deal with infertility related mental trauma with these simple 6 tips.
how to deal with infertility
You can overcome this mental trauma. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Published by Diana Crasta
Published On: 7 Oct 2022, 11:42 am IST
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Fertility issues can come with emotional instability. Feelings of unhappiness, discomfort, jealousy, and resentment towards people with healthy pregnancies are common in people facing fertility issues. This is often experienced by couples who have lost a baby, are going through fertility issues and struggling with treatments. It is a completely natural response considering all the trauma that a couple has to go through because of such issues. Come, let’s understand how to deal with the emotional impact of infertility.

You need to accept this fact before you seek any help to heal from these feelings. Of course, it can be tough to deal with such emotions for you and your partner, but learning how to address this problem will help you better deal with the feelings of stress, anger, and jealousy towards other people. It is important for you to know how to manage this situation and prevent it from becoming overwhelming for you.

How to deal with the emotional aspects of infertility?

1. Accept your feelings

Accepting and addressing your feelings is the first step towards healing. It is completely normal to feel emotions of sadness, jealousy, and anger. It is natural to have a feeling of unhappiness and a desire to achieve what others are able to achieve, in fact, without much difficulty. You don’t have to punish yourself for having emotions. Being aware and accepting the feelings, can keep you away from getting frustrated / hurt by your own feelings.

how to deal with infertility
Coping with emotions can be tough. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Know that you are not alone

People with fertility issues always feel they are alone in suffering while everyone else is blessed with a child. Even though this feeling is natural, it is important to know that infertility is very common and there are many people going through the same. The number of people with infertility issues increases day by day. So, you are not alone on this journey.

3. Fickle emotions are common while facing infertility

If you feel dual emotions at the same time, you don’t have to blame yourself for it. You can feel good about the progress that your friend has made and feel sad for no reason at the same time. You don’t have to feel sorry for your emotions, and each emotion is valid. You can deal with such situations by setting boundaries. If you don’t feel like celebrating your friend’s pregnancy news, just say “No” to the gathering. Setting boundaries for your own mental health would not make you a bad person. A close friend who sympathises with your situation will surely understand.

Also, read: Make note of these 5 superfoods to deal with infertility

4. Seek emotional support

You don’t have to go through this alone. You are surrounded by people who care about you and would make an effort to make you happy. It can be your partner, family, or friends. Ask for their support when you need it. Seeing professional psychologists also helps you to share the feelings, and you will get unbiased support from them. Joining Support Group meetings is another way of finding support for the feelings you are going through.

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how to deal with infertility
Overcome infertility related trauma together! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. Discover your own ways to find happiness

What gives you happiness? What makes you feel good? For some people, taking part in activities and talking to people lifts their mood, whereas for others it feels stressful. Some people just want to stay in their bedrooms and read their favourite books. Find out what makes you happy. It could be a hobby or spending time with your loved ones. Find your happiness and focus on doing that. This will keep you away from all the negative feelings you are going through.

Also, read:  Women dealing with infertility require your support! Here’s what loved ones can do

6. Yoga and meditation

Yoga and meditation have their own advantages in everyone’s lives. Regular practise of yoga and meditation takes care of the hormones and also helps to feel better. Yoga and meditation combined with some physical activity will not only keep you fit physically, but also mentally.

Takeaway 

It is common to lose control over your emotions while dealing with infertility, but having the right people by your side and the right kind of help can make it a little less burdensome. It is important for you to take appropriate measures and to seek help when you need it.

About The Author
Diana Crasta
Diana Crasta

Diana Crasta, Chief Psychological Counsellor, Nova IVF Fertility

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