Infertility is a stressful life event that can have long-term effects on a woman mental health. It is estimated that up to 40% of women experience depression and anxiety while undergoing infertility treatments.
In addition, women can develop a negative self-image due to their inability to become pregnant. This can negatively affect their ability to function as a spouse and a parent.
Depression is a common mental illness that affects people of all ages. Fortunately, it’s treatable. Approximately 80% to 90% of those who seek treatment gain some relief from their symptoms.
Often, depression is caused by a combination of factors. This includes genetics, stressful life events, medical conditions and medications.
Sometimes, it’s a result of an imbalance in the brain chemistry or hormones. Changing hormones during pregnancy, the weeks or months after delivery (postpartum depression) or during menopause can trigger it.
Symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, sadness, fatigue and lack of interest in activities that used to bring you pleasure. They may also include sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and suicidal thoughts.
While most discussion about infertility revolves around physical issues, the experience can be emotionally devastating for a woman. The resulting stress, depression and grief can impact almost every aspect of her life, including her health, relationships, career and finances.
The stress associated with infertility can lead to anxiety. Anxiety affects your ability to think clearly and makes it difficult to deal with stressful situations.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps you recognise, challenge and change your thoughts and behaviours that cause you anxiety. It is also helpful to practise relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga.
The emotional effects of infertility can sometimes be so severe that a woman needs professional help and support from a mental health specialist. Women can also be prescribed medications to treat their symptoms if these strategies do not work.
Grief is a complex, often painful emotional process that affects everyone differently. It is a journey that can be difficult to navigate, especially if you’re experiencing the pain of infertility or losing a baby.
It can also take a physical toll on your body, making you more vulnerable to illness and inflammation. It can also increase your risk of developing heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and asthma.
Depending on the nature of your grief, it can make you feel like you’re going crazy or have memory and cognitive problems. It can also have a negative impact on your relationships with others.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or don’t know how to cope, seek help from a counselor. They can connect you with a variety of resources that may be best for your situation, including group counseling or couples therapy.
Loss of relationships can be one of the most painful aspects of infertility. Having to say goodbye to people you love, especially those you’ve longed to be with for so long can leave a hole that never seems to go away.
It’s important to remember that mental health issues are always treatable. It is not uncommon for people with mental health problems to lose friends and relationships because of their illness.
While these losses are difficult to accept, they can be a necessary part of dealing with your mental health issues. However, it is important to keep in mind that these losses shouldn’t be a source of pain.
Getting back on track and prioritising your own mental health is more important than drifting friendships and lost relationships. It is also important to be open and honest about how you feel in order to ensure that you don’t end up in a relationship with someone who could be damaging your mental health.
Comments