Keep Your Mental Health In Check During Your Fertility Journey

It can be quite stressful to undergo fertility treatments, as your body goes through a lot physically. When choosing IVF or other fertility treatments, people often prepare themselves so well for the physical and financial aspects that they forget about the psychological and emotional aspects. While mental health can seem unimportant during your fertility journey, read on to learn why it is so important and how to take care of yourself.

During Infertility Treatment, Mental Health Is Important:

There are many highs and lows during the infertility journey – sometimes happening simultaneously. Most people refer to IVF as a roller coaster because there are many highs and lows. The stress, anxiety, and depression you may experience may be overwhelming even if you have dealt with stressful situations before. Aside from this, you may also have to make tough decisions that profoundly affect you and your partner physically, emotionally, and morally.

You must take care of your mental health as you begin your journey to parenthood, regardless of your situation. This may be the first time you and your partner are facing challenges together, and it’s important to develop a support network outside of your partner, but also with him or her, so you are both receiving the support you need. Developing healthy communication patterns and coping skills with your partner in times of stress has been shown to impact couples after infertility treatment positively.

Infertility & Anxiety:

Doubtless, anxiety and depression are the most common mental health conditions related to infertility treatments. Anxiety may manifest itself in many ways, including relentless worry, muscle tension or shaky, or restlessness. Throughout fertility treatment, anxiety is common due to the amount of time spent waiting. Patients frequently report experiencing the most anxiety and depression when waiting to receive pregnancy test results.

Last but not least, patients undergoing fertility treatments such as IVF may also experience medical anxiety. It is important to note that fertility treatments are safe, they often involve new procedures and a different team of medical professionals. Many people may feel exposed and stressed when they enter this new environment. This is why choosing a fertility team you feel comfortable and supported with is so important.

Infertility & Depression:

Depression is another mental health condition commonly found among fertility treatment patients. A state of depression can be described as a persistent and severe low mood. Furthermore, depression can also result in loss of interest, irritability, sleep issues, and a slower pace of thinking and movement.

The process of IVF is marked by both highs and lows, as we mentioned above. It is common for women to experience depression after several failed rounds of IVF or following a miscarriage. Those who undergo treatment for a longer period are also more likely to experience depressive episodes. Therefore, choose an experienced fertility hospital with years of experience in infertility and supports you in your difficult times.

Take Care of Yourself During Infertility Treatment:

Self-care is of the utmost importance when undergoing fertility treatments. Here we describe what self-care and self-soothing are in simple words:

The purpose of self-soothing activities is to provide comfort and distraction during times of distress. Bubble baths and other activities such as watching TV or spending time outdoors can be incorporated into this idea. Taking the time to soothe ourselves is crucial to maintaining our health and well-being.

The purpose of self-care, on the other hand, is to care for your health and well-being now and in the future. This includes activities like eating well, exercising, jogging, cycling, yoga, and meditation. Caring for yourself can often be a challenging task and the last thing you want to do when you’re stressed. You will ground yourself and grow personally through these activities.

There is no doubt that self-soothing and self-care activities can overlap. Moreover, they can vary greatly from person to person. Identifying activities you enjoy and need to do that fall under the self-soothing and self-care umbrella can be extremely helpful. By knowing what sorts of things to do when you are distressed, you will be able to protect and improve your mental health.

A Word From Hegde Fertility:

If you are experiencing mental health issues while undergoing IVF or other fertility treatments, it is important to know that you are not alone. At your fertility clinic, in your community, and in your life, there are people who can help you. Our team at Hegde Fertility Center is available to provide you with any questions or information you need during your infertility treatment. Take the first step in your fertility journey today and schedule an appointment with us for all the support you need! Call us at 8880 74 74 74!

FAQs:

1. Can I still get pregnant if I’m stressed?

   A: Taking care of yourself and reducing your stress levels can help you get pregnant, but stress shouldn’t directly affect your ability to get pregnant; its indirect effects, such as reduced libido and ovulation, may be more significant.

2. How can I stay calm during fertility treatment?

A: If you’re undergoing fertility treatments, you know how stressful it can be..

Some ideas to try include:

1. Yoga
2. Massage
3. Meditation
4. Enjoying music
5. Spending time in nature

3. How can I mentally survive fertility treatment?

A: Preparing for the emotional side of fertility treatment:

1. Talk to people who have gone through IVF.
2. Get a therapist or counselor.
3. Find support groups, blogs, or communities to join.
4. Try meditation.
5. Rest and take care of yourself.
6. Find healthy distractions and reward yourself.
7. Get the help you need.