Experiencing Infertility can be one of life’s most distressing events. Up to 10% of all couples will experience infertility and studies have shown that individuals diagnosed with infertility can experience depression comparable to those diagnosed with life threatening illnesses.
Anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness are not uncommon, and many couples suffer strained communication and difficulties with intimacy as they undergo medical intervention. The result can be feelings of helplessness and isolation.
Although stress has not been shown to cause infertility; infertility is almost always very stressful and many couples describe their journey as “an emotional roller-coaster”.
Mental Health Professionals with expertise in infertility can help individuals and couples learn to cope with the physical and emotional aspects of infertility. Problem solving techniques can be taught in a supportive environment and can help couples work through complex emotions allowing them to move towards a resolution.
Additionally, individuals who have struggled with infertility can find a long awaited pregnancy stressful. There is often anxiety associated with the pregnancy, especially if there have been pregnancy losses or failed treatments prior to the pregnancy.
Supportive psychotherapy can be helpful to individuals and couples who struggle with the very difficult experience of infertility.