Managing the stress of infertility !

INTRODUCTION: Being diagnosed with infertility can be an extremely confronting and challenging experience. People often talk about the ‘roller coaster’, or ups and downs of emotions associated with infertility. It is extremely normal for you and partner to feel stressed about what is often considered a life crisis. However, there are some important points to keep in mind when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Being diagnosed with infertility

“Diagnosing infertility is all about what isn’t happening, and it is hard to know what to feel.”-Karen

Everyone reacts to the diagnosis of infertility differently and it is normal to ask ‘why me? And to feel sad angry, worried or just totally shocked. However, for most people, it is the strength of the emotional impact that often takes them by surprise.

In reaction to a diagnosis of infertility, you may experience a number of emotions such as:

Shock, surprise or denial – a sense that the diagnosis is not really true. This can also be described as feeling numb or not knowing what to do.

Anger and frustration – this can be expressed as ‘Why is this happening to me?’

Anxiety, fear or panic – all thoughts are very confused.

Isolation – feeling different from others and feeling out of touch with your partner.

Sense of loss- there are many aspects of grief covering loss of pregnancy, loss of motherhood and fatherhood. These can continue through all stages of infertility.

The way you react and cope with your emotions will be influenced by many things such as:

• how you interpret the situation

• how you have responded to past stress

• other events that are also happening in your life

• What type and level of support you have.

While all of your emotions are perfectly normal in the face of such a major life crisis, it is important that you do not let these feelings go on for too long or allow them to negatively affect how you manage and cope with everyday life. Learning to recognize and manage your emotional feelings about infertility is as crucial as after yourself physically.