Many people describe coping with infertility issues as one of the most stressful life experiences they’ve had to endure.
Understandably, few couples are prepared for the diagnosis and it is therefore very important to actively prioritise and engage in behaviour to take care of yourself to ensure your fertility journey doesn’t negatively impact on your mood, self-esteem, relationships, family, social life and work.
The power you have over your own emotional wellbeing should not be underestimated.
The better care you can take of yourself, the better able you are to cope during this challenging time.
Taking care of yourself means doing things that add to your sense of wellbeing and help relieve the stress associated with infertility.
Coping strategies that are helpful make you feel better and can make a difficult process more manageable.
Each person handles the stress of infertility difficulties differently. Some people find comfort writing their thoughts in a journal, while others choose yoga or other exercise as a stress reliever.
Another vital part of this process is to grieve the many losses that make up the infertility experience. You may be still processing the realisation that you are unable to conceive naturally, mourning a failed IVF cycle, miscarriage, or something as elusive as the dream of parenting, but it’s important to acknowledge each loss and to grieve in a way that is right for you. Remember, each person grieves differently and that’s okay.
Finally, don’t forget to have fun! Often people experiencing infertility deny themselves pleasures such as travel or a night out on the town. They spend so much time consumed with treatments and planning for the future that they ignore the importance of finding joy in the present.
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