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Posts Tagged ‘Emotional Responses’

Dealing with Your Emotions throughout Fertility Treatments

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

It’s no secret that fertility treatments can elicit a host of emotional responses from the individuals and couples involved. That’s why it’s such a smart idea to really plan for the ways to deal with your feelings ahead of time.

Even if you are the most optimistic person in the world, it can be challenging to stay positive, especially if fertility treatments are proceeding slower than you’d like or if the options presented to you are not what you expected.

As you proceed with your investigation into the right fertility treatments for your situation, why not take the following factors into consideration?

1. Set up an appointment with a counselor.

Many therapists and counselors specialize in helping those who are undergoing fertility treatments. They can give you feedback on your (very normal) emotions as well as providing you with ways to get through difficult times.

2. Don’t define yourself by your infertility.

Many people fall into the emotional trap of thinking of themselves only in terms of their infertility. Remember that you are someone who has a lot to offer, and are not simply a man or woman who is having issues conceiving.

3. Be open about the way you feel.

Females and males who are undergoing fertility treatments can sometimes “shut down”, essentially pretending that their emotions aren’t happening or, alternatively, aren’t important. But they most certainly are!

4. Plan fun activities.

Don’t worry about fertility treatments 24/7! Start planning some fun activities to do alone and with your partner. Go out to eat, head for a hike in the woods, take a walk along the water… and reconnect with yourself and your relationship in a way that doesn’t have to do with pregnancy.

5. Stay on top of your emotions.

Finally, it’s critical to remain “on top” of your emotions. You may even want to start a journal so you can track how you’re feeling on a daily or weekly basis. This will help you achieve a stronger sense of confidence and poise throughout your fertility treatments.

 

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When Infertility Hurts… Psychologically

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

depressed-galInfertility can be physically uncomfortable, especially if it’s associated with conditions like endometriosis and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).  But it can be equally painful in a psychological way.

Below, we’ll look at some of the common causes of psychological pain as it is related to infertility as well as how to combat that pain.

Common Causes of Emotional Discomfort Regarding Infertility

  • Feeling “guilty”.
  • Being pressured to “just relax”.
  • Being around people who are able to easily conceive.
  • Being asked about having a child.
  • Being treated differently by a spouse or loved one.
  • Dealing with financial concerns about fertility treatments.
  • Handling the loss of miscarriages.

Ways to Deal with Infertility from a Psychological Perspective

  • Talk to a therapist or counselor about your problems.
  • Join a support group of other women/men in similar situations.
  • Don’t define your life by your ability to naturally conceive.
  • Only talk about your infertility when YOU want to talk about it.
  • Look into options as far as fertility treatments are concerned.
  • Take antidepressants (if indicated by a physician.)
  • Eat right and exercise regularly.
  • Treat yourself well and not as a “victim”.
  • Write about your experiences in a personal journal (or even an anonymous blog.)
  • Read other women and men’s experiences with infertility.

Don’t ignore your feelings or they will well up and spill over.  Instead, acknowledge your emotional responses to infertility and do everything in your power to manage those responses.

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