Infertility and Mental Health

You never expected to be here.

You may have been on the infertility journey for just a few weeks, or many years.  Regardless of your time or place along the path to create a family, taking care of yourself is of the utmost importance.  Together, I believe that we can help you find peace, feel empowered to consider options, and create a new sense of hope.

You are not alone.

Nearly 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy and 7.4 million women, or 11.9% of women, have received infertility services in their lifetime (2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth, CDC).

Infertility affects both women and men

Although some people may consider infertility to be a woman’s problem, men are just as affected as women (and that matters for mental health concerns, too).  In fact, approximately one-third of infertility is attributed to the female partner, one-third attributed to the male partner and one-third is caused by a combination of problems in both partners or is unexplained (www.asrm.org).

8

1 in 8 couples experience infertility.

12%

12% of women have received infertility services in their lifetime. 

 

20%-25%

A couple, ages 29-33 with a normal functioning reproductive system has only a 20-25% chance of conceiving in any given month.

1/3

⅓ of infertility is attributed to the female partner, ⅓ is attributed to the male partner, and ⅓ is caused by a combination in both partner, or is simply unexplained. 

When to ask for help

Finding support to help you navigate the vastness and loneliness of infertility can create an opportunity for healing on many levels.  Releasing the many worries, fears and frustrations is a way of opening yourself to shifts of perception and hope.  Creative visualization, mindfulness, spiritual exploration, music and artistic endeavors are some of the many ways to reclaim your journey.  

Depending on your individual needs and preferences, an empowering support program can be created for you.  Therapeutic counseling or coaching can occur with an individual or as couples, depending on preference and your availability.

This is your time, your life, your journey.  Explore your needs and step into healing on every level of your being.

 

How do I know if I need help?

Use this checklist as a guide to identify if you would benefit from therapeutic support. If any of your answers worry you, or if you wish you could answer differently, seek support.

  • Do you feel sad more than happy?
  • Do you feel more irritable and/or anxious than usual?
  • Do you have racing thoughts?
  • Has your appetite or sleep cycle changed?
  • Are you using any unsafe substances (i.e. tobacco, alcohol, unprescribed or misusing prescribed medications, illegal drugs, etc.)
  • Do you feel hopeful?
  • Do you have a support system now?
  • If you are in a relationship, do you feel safe?
  • Are you able to care for yourself? your other children/dependents?
  • Are you worried you may hurt yourself or others?*

Call to action/callout: If you feel that you or your loved one(s) is ever in immediate danger, call 911.

Ways to cope when things feel so hard

There are so many ways to get back into your groove, and it’s okay if it takes time. Here are just a few self care ideas you may find helpful:

Therapeutic Coaching or Counseling

Talking and processing through all of your thoughts and feelings can help in all ways. Let’s talk about how I can best support you.

CONNECT WITH JEN

Journal

Write your story!

inspiring journal promps

affirmations

Positive thought statements help when our mind’s internal chatter is screaming (along with the baby!). 

affirmations + positive thoughts

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty

-Maya Angelou

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