INFERTILITY
The grief produced from experiencing infertility is both real and at times unbearable. Infertility is the inability to conceive and is usually an emotionally challenging experience (GoodTherapy, 2021).
It is common to feel a wide range of emotions while experiencing infertility. Despair, low self-worth, anxiety, depression, and resentment are normal feelings to experience when you or your partner are experiencing infertility (GoodTherapy, 2021). You likely feel alone as your friends host countless baby showers for expecting family and friends. Resentment builds as your mother keeps asking you when you will be providing her with a new grandchild. All you see are baby ads and baby posts on social media, and you likely wonder “why not me?” or “if only people knew how hard this is”.
You are not alone. In the United States, 8.8% of married women between the ages of 15-49 are infertile (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). Even though others struggle with infertility, the journey can still feel lonely.
Often, seeking the caring support of a therapist who specializes in infertility can be helpful (GoodTherapy, 2021). A therapist can help you and your family not only sift through the endless feelings that accompany this challenging time, but also the endless options. Is it time to try IVF…or a more holistic approach? Should we start looking at more expensive options… or is it time to take a break from medical interventions? The flow of change that can occur during infertility can be exhausting, and it is usually helpful to have a therapist who has either experienced similar issues or has guided others on a similar path.
Social support is crucial during conceiving difficulties. Often our usual supports and relationships may experience strain during this difficult period (GoodTherapy, 2021). Our family of origin may have a limited view of possibilities, not believe in medical intervention, or only believe in medical intervention. Perhaps those who have never gone through infertility want to provide unsolicited advice, or friends avoid the subject for fear of saying the wrong thing. Finding support through others climbing the same mountain can be very beneficial.
Harnessing all resources available is imperative for the individual or couple's well-being as they face fertility challenges. Here at Authenticity Counseling, we compassionately provide our wisdom and guidance while recognizing every fertility experience is unique. We will gently assist you as you discover what is the best next step for your unique journey.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, December 2). Infertility. National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/infertility.htm
GoodTherapy. (2019, September 3). Fertility Issues. https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/infertility