Increase in anxiety and depression symptoms paired with reluctance to share struggles and lean on others makes anyone going through infertility vulnerable, whether they seek fertility treatments or not.
Just some of the concerns that weigh on someone facing infertility can include
Shame and guilt
Financial stress
Relationship stress
Distrust in your body
Sex becoming work/ chore/ pressure/ disappointment
Taboo and superstitious nature in many cultures adds stress and guilt
Recurrent grief
Studies show that stress is the number one reason for ending fertility treatments before achieving pregnancy, even with good prognosis. Taking care of your emotional and mental health is important on your journey to parenthood.
“It’s not my fault”
Release yourself from the shame cycle. Infertility is not your fault. It isn’t karma, it isn’t a curse and it’s not punishment. It is a medical condition. Make this your mantra. Remind yourself daily, hourly and especially monthly...it is not my fault.