Infertility: Three Healthy Ways to Cope

By now, you might have heard the statistic that 1 in 4 women will suffer from infertility. For some women, it is comforting to know they are not alone. For others, it frustrates them more knowing how prevalent this condition is. 

While this rate may shed light on how common this struggle is, it also highlights the vast impact. Whether you know it or not you most likely are related or connected to someone who has experienced some form of infertility. 

From pregnancy loss and miscarriage to rounds of IUI/IVF treatments, infertility is becoming a more accepted and talked about topic. However, there are still some women and couples who suffer silently and alone.

When walking through this season, there are many ways to cope with the thoughts and feelings associated with infertility. Here are three ways to manage in a healthy way-

Allow Your Support System to Love and Support You Through This:

Your family and friends want to help you as you’re dealing with this very difficult situation. So, let them! Do not isolate yourself, but instead invite them into your struggle. If someone wants to clean, cook, bring you coffee or a treat to pick you up, or just sit with you as you cry, let them. We need to be able to recognize when we need others, and this is one of those times.

Share Your Thoughts and Feelings:

Do not hold in your emotions, because you don’t want others to know how you’re feeling. Share them with your trusted community. People will assume they know how you feel or what you are thinking. However, this might not be correct. It’s important you are talking about your feelings and thoughts so others know how to encourage or support you.

Tell People What You Need, Do Not Assume They Know:

People have the best intentions, but sometimes it is still not helpful. Remember, you are the one going through this, not them. So, it is important you are the one telling others what it is you need. If you need space, give yourself space. If you need time to process by yourself, take the time. If you need someone to talk to, sit with you, cry with you, or want an emotional/mental break and laugh with you, then tell them and do that. Everyone handles difficult situations differently. There is not a one size fits all approach. You know what you need and you know what support is best for you. So do not shy away from directing them. It will only help them better support you!

If you’re needing additional support that your friends and family cannot give you, we have therapists that would be honored to walk with you through this. Reach out today to get connected and start your healing process.