Infertility can touch every aspect of your life, impacting your relationship with your partner, the way you feel about yourself, and your overall life perspective. It may seem overwhelming at times, but there are ways to reduce your anxiety and bring a calmer perspective to your life.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
The first step in reducing stress is to recognize that your feelings are valid and normal. One of the most stressful aspects is feeling as if you have no control over your body. The infertility tests and procedures can also be emotionally, physically, and mentally draining. Take control of your feelings by reassuring yourself that it is normal to feel this way.
Communicate with Your Partner
Infertility can take a toll on relationships, so approach the situation as a couple rather than letting unspoken resentment settle in. You are your partner may respond differently to the crisis, so it may be helpful to seek counseling if the stress is creating distance between the two of you.
Stay Connected
Going through a period of distress can sometimes cause people to isolate themselves. Stay connected to your family and close friends for love and support. You may need to educate them about infertility if they are uninformed so they will have a better understanding of what you are going through.
Get Informed
Uncertainty about the future can add unnecessary stress to an already stressful time. Alleviate some of that uncertainty by actively doing research on your present situation and options. Stay current on your medical condition and treatments, research your fertility options, and think about alternatives. Gaining more knowledge will help you achieve a bit more peace of mind.
Find Ways to Reduce Stress
Rely on the coping strategies that have helped you during stressful situations in the past. This may mean taking a walk, starting a new hobby, meditating, praying, therapy, etc. Remind yourself to take each day one day at a time. Use at least two coping methods every day, and don’t stop on the first day you feel “normal” again.
Allow Yourself to Grieve
Don’t try to repress your feelings of anger, guilt, or sorrow. Plan a time each day to spend about 30 minutes focusing on your feelings. Addressing and releasing your emotions will surely make you feel better. Whether you talk to your partner, a friend, or write down your feelings in a journal, you can work through your grief and then let it go.
NCCRM
One out of every six couples in the United States faces the challenge of infertility. At NCCRM, we try to minimize that stress by being sensitive to the fact that infertility can cause a couple marital, sexual, religious, and financial anxieties. Our practice takes a holistic approach to the treatment of our patients. Contact us today.
