When it comes to infertility and loss, how do you know when to seek outside help for your emotions? The uncertain nature of infertility can cause extreme anxiety and depression even in the most stable of personalities. Add to that any other type of outside stress or biological factors and the infertility can be overwhelming. It is helpful to have a guideline to help decide.
Infertility Counseling and Support: When and Where to Find It by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Apologies for the link acting up, it wouldn’t come through in the usual wa today.
Here is their list of suggested symptoms in which you may want to consider finding a therapist.
Consider counseling if you are feeling depressed, anxious, or so preoccupied with your infertility that you feel it is hard to enjoy life. You may also want to consider counseling if you are feeling “stuck” and need to sort out youroptions and alternatives. Signs that you might benefit from counseling include:
persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, or worthlessness
social isolation
loss of interest in usual activities and relationships
depression
agitation and anxiety
increased mood swings
constant preoccupation with infertility
marital discord
difficulty concentrating and remembering
increased use of alcohol or drugs
a change in appetite, weight, or sleep patterns
thoughts about suicide or death
difficulty with scheduled intercourse
Along with books and support groups, the Society also suggests asking your doctor for help in these situations by asking for referrals of counselors, groups and book lists that they would recommend in recovering and processing infertility. In all of my reading so far, this was the first time that it was brought up that your doctor could be helpful in these other, mental aspects as well. And if you are going for a “team” approach to your fertility, this is a wonderful suggestion.
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