Infertility’s Impact on Women’s Mental Health
Infertility is a condition that refers to an inability to become pregnant or to take a baby to term after one year of trying. This is a heartbreaking reality for many women across the globe. In fact, it is estimated that in the United States alone, roughly 6 million women will experience struggles with fertility, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Infertility and a Woman’s Mental Health
Infertility is a very stressful issue to deal with and it can greatly impact a woman’s mental health. Research published by the North Carolina Medical Journal found that common mental health concerns of fertility patients are symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Patients frequently report that each month’s cycle becomes a tumultuous storm of emotions ranging from anger, sadness, fear, and guilt. And the more demanding and intrusive the fertility treatment protocols become, the greater the emotions felt.
This experience can often lead to feeling isolated. Many clients benefit from having a space to process their experience without having to edit their feelings or thoughts.
Much focus is given to the physical aspects of not being able to conceive. But it is important for women to recognize that their mental health may be impacted and to get help.
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, lonely or scared during their fertility journey, please reach out to me. I would be happy to discuss what supportive individual counseling for anxiety and depression looks like whether it be in person in Monmouth county, New Jersey or virtually for residents of Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, Texas or Florida.
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