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3 Ways to Cope with the Stress of Infertility

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

A diagnosis of infertility can be an intensely difficult thing to deal with. There are societal pressures, emotional turmoil, a sense of disappointment in yourself, among a churning sea of other feelings.

Contents

Let out your emotions
Keep a strong bond with your partner
Find ways to reduce stress

You may become overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy, emptiness, or failure that could negatively affect your quality of life as well as your relationship.

We know you can definitely use some help during this time. So, we have for you some guidelines that can steer you through this tough time.

Let out your emotions

Incessant failed attempts at conception can take a heavy toll on your emotions. Even though you try not to lose hope, your subconscious mind has already begun grieving for the biological child you couldn’t have.

Medical research shows that unresolved or repressed grief can be a key source of stress. You need to give yourself a period of mourning in order to feel better again. Try talking to your partner or a close friend, or writing down your feelings. You need to acknowledge your grief, which is the first step in overcoming it.

The emotional upheaval that comes with infertility are not caused by one single issue, but by a juxtaposition of several complex feelings. What helps is to zero in and identify the emotions you are feeling. These can include feelings of shame, loss, guilt, fear of being judged, failure or inadequacy, anger, or fear of rejection or abandonment.

Once you have identified your feelings, try to work through what those feelings are about, where they are emanating from, and towards whom they are directed. Asking yourself these questions will help you to start understanding these emotions and become more accepting of them, which is the first step to overcoming such feelings. If you feel the need, do not hesitate to consult a counsellor, who can help you work through this.

Keep a strong bond with your partner

Amidst all the anguish and pressures of an infertility diagnosis, it is often common for couples to drift apart. Infertility can deeply affect a marriage, sprouting feelings of inadequacy, passive resentment, sexual strain, and stress between the couple. Men and women typically respond differently to this; men tend to become more emotionally distant, whereas women are more openly distressed. However, strengthening the bond between you can actually make you stronger and help to cope with the issue as a team.

Focus on reconnecting with your partner by bringing back intimacy into your relationship. Spend quality time together doing things you both enjoy, like taking a class together, going for a movie, having romantic dinners at your favourite restaurant, or taking short trips together. Make sure you talk to each other about your feelings on this matter as well. It is crucial to keep open communication between yourselves.

Consolidating your togetherness will go a long way in helping you both deal with this difficult issue.

If you feel that the stress of infertility is leading to distance between the two of you, counselling is a good option. You need to maintain a strong bond during this difficult time, and a good counsellor can be invaluable. Make sure you constantly share your feelings with each other in a positive and open manner.

Find ways to reduce stress

Undoubtedly, infertility and its associated processes are extremely stressful. It is important to find healthy ways to deal with it. You can try meditation, breathing, yoga, or join a support group. Don’t forget to keep looking after and loving yourself. Focus on exercise, eating healthy, getting sufficient sleep, and indulging yourself occasionally, like going on a shopping spree or a girls’ night out.

Another way that helps greatly to deal with the stress is to find out what your options are now. A major part of the difficulty to cope with infertility is the feeling of powerlessness and not being able to comprehend what to do next. The best thing to do is to fully understand what your infertility options are by talking to the right specialists who can guide you. Once you have a clear idea about what steps you can take, it will help you be in a more positive mindset about where you are currently at.

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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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