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11 ways to Cope with Infertility Stress

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Infertility can be a long, arduous, and stressful journey. There are certain measures you can take that will help you deal with this stress.

Contents

1. Acknowledge how you feel
2. Get support from the right people
3. Stay active
4. Eat sensibly
5. Allow yourself to grieve
6. Focus on your partner
7. Focus on your work
8. Look after yourself
9. Know your options
10. Find healthy ways to express your emotions
11. Do not blame yourself

Here are our top tips for dealing with infertility-related anxiety.

1. Acknowledge how you feel

As you go through the rocky path of infertility, you are going to experience a whole gamut of emotions, ranging from sorrow, loss, shame, to anger. It is important to acknowledge these emotions and admit to yourself how you feel. If you don’t properly express these feelings, it can lead to emotional distress and even physical side effects.

2. Get support from the right people

In cases of infertility, people don’t often know the right thing to say or do. You may find yourself growing distant from your friends and family. But it is important for you to have some form of support. Coach your friends and family on the right way to react. Get in touch with people who are going through the same thing as you. You can join an online forum or a support group.

3. Stay active

Staying active in any way you prefer is a good way to release good endorphins, which in turn makes you feel happy and better equipped to cope with the stress of infertility. Walking, yoga or even dancing are great options. They will also help you remain fit, which is beneficial for any fertility treatments you may be undergoing.

4. Eat sensibly

A typical reaction to stress is reaching for one’s favourite comfort foods, which may not always be the best options in terms of healthy eating, for example, sweets or carbs. Instead, opt for food that have a calming effect, such as berries, nuts, green tea, dark chocolate, oatmeal, and fruit.

5. Allow yourself to grieve

A common occurrence in infertility is to experience feelings of grief for the baby you have not been able to have. This grief, if unresolved, can cause major stress. Allow yourself to go through a period of mourning in order to recover.

6. Focus on your partner

The stress of infertility often puts a strain on relationships. So carve some time out for yourselves. Go for a romantic dinner or a short trip – or just take an evening stroll holding hands. Leaning on each other will help you deal with the stress better.

7. Focus on your work

Infertility and its treatments can consume your life, if you let it. Try to focus on your work as an effective distraction from the incessant anxiety you may be feeling. Staying busy and active can distract you, give you a sense of accomplishment, and help boost your self-esteem and confidence.

8. Look after yourself

This means treating yourself even half as well as you treat your family and friends. Get enough sleep, exercise, time alone, and time with others to make yourself feel cared for. Practice being your own best friend!

9. Know your options

A large component of infertility stress is the feeling of helplessness and not knowing what you can do about it. If you’re in this situation, it is highly recommended to understand what your infertility options are. Once you know what possible avenues are available to you, you will feel more in control of your life and the situation.

10. Find healthy ways to express your emotions

The emotions that you experience over infertility are so overwhelming that you may find it difficult to talk about them. However, it is advisable to find alternative ways to overcome these feelings. You can write in a journal, go for a walk or exercise, or volunteer with a cause that’s important to you. Doing something positive can help you find contentment in other ways.

11. Do not blame yourself

Accepting a diagnosis of infertility is often accompanied by a feeling of guilt over your perceived inability to conceive. You need to keep in mind that infertility is a result of carious factors that are beyond your control, and that you are not to blame in any way.

Explore More Articles on Emotions

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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