Having a child is something that many people look forward to. It is regarded as a major life transition or milestone for adults, and many take it for granted as “the most natural thing in the world”. Struggles with infertility can bring a host of negative emotions and challenges. You may feel like you are on an emotional rollercoaster and not know where to turn for help.

If you are faced with fertility challenges you may begin to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression as well. Counseling can be helpful on your journey to parenthood.

Infertility Stress 

Initially, you may ignore the emotional impact as you focus and work hard to change your lifestyle, thinking that the cause of infertility is circumstantial and that a relaxing and healthy lifestyle will do the trick. If these efforts are unsuccessful over time, it can throw you into a black hole of unpleasant emotions like guilt, shame, anger, frustration, self-blame, and grief.

Who wouldn’t feel distressed when you can’t have a child despite your best effort? According to Harvard Health Publications, “the causes of infertility are overwhelmingly physiological, the resulting heartache (however)… may exact a huge psychological toll.” In one study they cited, 15 percent of men admitted “that infertility was the most upsetting experience of their lives.” It was also concluded in a survey involving 488 American women respondents “that women with infertility felt as anxious or depressed as those diagnosed with cancer, hypertension, or recovering from a heart attack.”

It is undeniable that while stress does not directly cause infertility, infertility can certainly breed stress and a whole lot of negativity, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, marital difficulties, relationship issues, etc.

Depression occurs often with infertility. Depression can make infertility and life more complicated. Depression can make you avoid intimacy, activities, and people that you associate with pregnancy and parenthood. It may wreak havoc on your work and relationships. It can even affect your physical health.

Finding Hope with Counseling

You are not alone in your journey toward parenthood. Though your path may be different than you imagined, you can get the support you deserve. Counseling can be a safe place to process your feelings and experience. You deserve to feel better. 

Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC contracts with therapists and counselors that can help. Call CCS today to get started.