The holiday season is the perfect time to get together with family and friends. This time of the year, the air is filled with the feeling of joy and anticipation. However, it can be a little harder for some to get in the spirit of the season, especially after the last couple of years. Those dealing with infertility are going through additional emotional turmoil. The holidays might be a time of anger, frustration, sadness, and anxiety for these people.
If you’re struggling with infertility during this season, there are ways that you can be part of the festivities while also taking time for yourself and allowing yourself to process. NCCRM offers fertility services, such as tubal reversals Durham NC, and help for those who are struggling with infertility. If you’re struggling with infertility, here are some tips to remember during this holiday season.
Take Time For Yourself
There might be pressure to be with friends and family during the holidays, especially if you don’t get to see them much throughout the rest of the year. Regardless, it’s important that you take time to rest and process this diagnosis. There might be some days where you feel better than others, and that’s okay. If they truly care about you, they will understand. You’re allowed to take time for yourself. In fact, getting away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season might help.
Control What You Can Control
You don’t have to open every holiday card you receive, especially if they have kids. You can take the time you need to open the ones that you feel like opening at the time. You can control when and which cards you open. However, you can’t always control who sends you a card. You can respond with something along the lines of, “Thank you for thinking of me.” and then open it whenever you feel ready.
You can also decide what to share when talking with relatives and friends. You don’t have to tell them about the diagnosis, fertility treatments such as tubal reversals Durham NC, or anything you are uncomfortable telling them. You can stick with the, “It’s been a difficult year for us, but we are happy to be here surrounded by friends and family who care about us.” Or kindly let them know that you would rather talk about something else at the moment, and you will discuss it when you are ready. Turning the conversation around and asking them about their job or a hobby can also get the spotlight off of you and the topic off of families and kids.
You don’t have to participate in anything that you aren’t comfortable with. You aren’t required to send out family cards, or even the yearly tradition of building gingerbread houses with your friends. You can inform them that you are not feeling well and that you might have to see them another time.
Don’t Bottle Up Your Feelings
During the holidays, it might feel weird to not be happy or joyful, but you’re allowed to be sad, upset, and even angry even around this time of the year. Not expressing how you’re feeling and holding in your emotions will not make them go away. It will just suppress them until they find a reason to make an appearance. Talking about your feelings will help with processing and understanding why and how you’re feeling. Expressing yourself to your partner can also show them that they are not alone in their feelings and that it’s okay to be upset. However, it’s important to remember that your partner is not your therapist or doctor.
Remember, It’s Okay to Say No
Just because you are going through a hard time, does not mean you have to throw on a happy face and attend every event. You are allowed to say no, another time, or maybe next year! You can also be as straightforward or vague as you want to when answering the, “Why can’t you come? Is everything okay?” question. Not everyone needs to know what you are struggling with. Saying no or taking time away from everything is okay.
Even if you are feeling good and happy to go out, your feelings are still valid. Everyone processes infertility in different ways. You are not a bad person for wanting or not wanting to be around others during this time.
NCCRM | Fertility Treatment in Durham, NC
NCCRM is a clinic that offers gynecology services and fertility treatments such as tubal reversals Durham NC. We know that the journey to growing your family can be a difficult one, and we want to remind you that you aren’t alone, even during the holidays. We are here to help you with treatment plans and services that can help. To learn more, visit our website.
