If you have been unable to conceive and are dealing with infertility, it can be extremely difficult to cope with the situation.
While we are all different, with different ways of dealing with traumatic, stressful life events; everyone trying to cope with infertility should make sure to implement whichever coping mechanisms work for them.
Some people find a support group an excellent way of coping with infertility.
Hearing other people with the same problem frankly discuss their thoughts and feelings about it, and openly airing your own thoughts and feelings can be quite cathartic for many who are infertile.
By the same token, there are other people who consider infertility to be an intensely private thing—one that they would be extremely uncomfortable discussing with others in a support group.
Some people find solace in religion. Others don’t.
Some people are very receptive to the idea of adoption. Others won’t even consider it as an option.
If you or your partner has been diagnosed with infertility, the way you cope with it is entirely up to you. There is no magic formula….no right way or wrong way of coping.
That being said, if you display symptoms of depression such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of sexual desire
- A feeling of unrelenting sadness
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
Or any of the other symptoms that indicate severe depression, you shouldn’t try to go it alone!
Talk to someone about your depression. It might be your doctor, a mental health therapist or counselor, a close friend or family member, your pastor….anybody whom you can trust sufficiently to share your feelings.
Also, do not allow yourself to live behind a self-made wall of isolation.
Even if you aren’t comfortable discussing the infertility that is causing you to feel down and depressed, do make it a point to reach out to others for social contact.
No man, or woman, is an island!
If you isolate yourself and cut yourself off entirely from others, it will only serve to deepen your feelings of despair.
Coping with infertility can be very hard to do, and you must find your own way of coping, but don’t allow it to evolve into a full clinical depression!
Dealing With the Emotional Aspects of Infertility
The Psychological Effects of Infertility
Coping with Infertility: You and Your Partner
Dealing With the Stress of Infertility
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