Having a child is a dream for many people. But many obstacles can arise in the midst of this dream, bringing suffering to those who experience it. Dealing with infertility causes various feelings and emotions. In fact, psychological stress is one of the results of infertility. Having to deal with several attempts and the pressure from family and friends, for example, are just some of the common situations for those going through this. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that this does not have to be such a lonely path since, nowadays, many professionals are able to offer support to people who are trying to conceive. Counting on the support of professionals to share the anxieties imposed by infertility makes the journey lighter. Some researchers agree that infertility treatment centers should consider psychological variables during treatment. Thus, among the recommended professionals, there are psychologists who can help with emotional and psychological support for people facing infertility.
What is psychotherapy?
We know that couples struggling with fertility issues become anxious to achieve a positive result. In fact, anxiety is a completely normal response to the challenges that arise along the way, such as multiple attempts, frustration from a negative result, the feeling of guilt for not being a mother or father yet, among other situations. However, it is important that we know how to handle these emotions that arise so as not to let them take over our bodies. That is why undergoing psychotherapy is an important step in learning how to cope with this explosion of emotions and frustrations. In fact, studies confirm that psychotherapy is as reliable an alternative as medication use when it comes to controlling anxiety and promoting mental health in infertile women.
Facing the journey of infertility is not an easy task, but we can learn to react and handle the situation in a healthier, less painful, and less lonely way. Thus, psychotherapy, besides being a way to find relief and support, is also a learning process that provides self-knowledge and a new perspective on situations. It is worth looking for a professional who is best suited for you!
What will the psychologist address?
Several studies show that in couples facing infertility, there is an increase in anxiety and risk of depression, as well as decreased self-confidence. In general, these are some of the feelings commonly experienced by couples in this situation:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Guilt
Relationship problems are also common when experiencing difficulties in getting pregnant. Not just problems within the couple’s relationship itself, but also with family and friends due to the ongoing pressure and persistent feelings of guilt. The psychologist will then address all these and many other issues during the sessions, providing support, assistance, and fostering self-knowledge through interventions. In addition to psychotherapy, the psychologist may recommend relaxation techniques or even refer the patient to another professional if medication is necessary, since psychologists do not prescribe them. Sometimes, these interventions are needed to control anxiety and other symptoms that may worsen.
When to seek psychotherapy?
Feeling pressured, alone, and stressed are common complaints among women facing infertility. After all, as we mentioned earlier, it is a normal reaction to feel stressed or anxious about something beyond our control. However, the warning sign comes when these unpleasant feelings become constant, affecting every area of life. Feeling sad for a few hours is normal and even healthy, as it is our body’s response to a sad situation. But staying sad for days on end, without motivation or hope, is a clear sign that something really isn’t right in our body and needs to be treated, as it can even lead to depression. Day to day, it is common for couples to disagree on how they’ll deal with certain situations, such as which treatment to choose, who to tell about what they are experiencing, and other issues. As such, you may choose couples therapy, for example, where the issues are worked on together and both are involved. In this way, the right time to start psychotherapy is up to each person who wants to seek support and guidance while facing the challenges of infertility. Whether individually or as a couple, seeking out a psychologist is highly recommended so that all the emotions that surface during the infertility journey can be understood in a healthier way. Moreover, this can be a special moment because it provides a space for expressing your desires, anxieties, and thoughts, with the certainty of not being judged for what you say, which is essential for anyone in this situation, right? As we can see, receiving support and help along this journey is necessary for dealing with infertility in a healthy way. So, seek help to make this journey a less painful one! See also: Anxiety During Pregnancy – How to Cope?
