5 ways infertility can affect your mental health

When it comes to the fertility journey, most people think IVF, surrogacy, ovulation tests and gynae visits. 

1 in 8 couples trying to get pregnant will experience infertility. It is more common than we think. 

1. You don’t feel like yourself anymore 

It can be very anxiety-inducing to grapple with the uncertainty of conceiving. Many of us grew up with dreams of having a family. When we are faced with the possibility of not having a child, it can make us question who we are and what our role is as a woman. You might feel “less than” or that something is wrong with your body. 

2. You don’t find pleasure in things that used to bring you joy 

The rates of depression for infertility is similar to those with a cancer diagnosis, according to research. Depression sucks away the joy from things that you usually would have enjoyed. Some signs of infertility-related depression can be feelings of hopelessness, frustration, guilt, shame and unexplained physical pain.

3. You feel stressed or anxious 

Keeping track of your cycle and timing of intercourse can make the process un-fun. Many feel nervous and restless when it comes to waiting for test results, to see a negative again. It can be hard to share these concerns with friends and family members. The infertility-related anxiety does not have to be a journey that you go through alone. Reaching out to someone who has seen this can be of immense emotional support. 

4. You have trouble focusing on anything other than infertility 

The process of infertility can be filled with lots of jabs, and clinic visits. It is emotionally and physically consuming. The waiting for the results, the uncertainty, all of it can take away your attention from the things that usually bring joy. 

5. You feel guilty, or like you’re a failure 

We might have societal expectations that say you’re “supposed” to get pregnant. Family questions during gatherings can make the question very awkward and difficult to answer. The pressures can be overwhelming. Looking at pregnancy posts on social media can make you feel like a failure. It seems so easy for them to conceive. 

These struggles are real and can severely affect one’s mental health. Seeking help from your close ones, and from a professional can go a long way. Elora seeks to support a woman’s emotional health in this fertility journey, through expert-led programs and content.