Thoughts on seeking support during fertility treatment
For many of our patients, infertility treatment is one of the most difficult challenges they face. The uncertainty about the outcome coupled with the importance of having children, causes people to experience a wide range of feelings. Sometimes people feel hopeful when they begin to see a fertility specialist. They feel that coming to the specialist must be the answer. However, if positive results don’t happen quickly, hope begins to diminish and worry sets in.
You are not alone. Most of the things people think and feel during treatment are normal. For many patients, weathering the emotional ups and downs of treatment can be difficult over time. At times, the stress of going through treatment can even effect people’s marriages, jobs and relationships with others.
Because infertility is such a personal issue, patients may hesitate to discuss their feelings with others. Many patients talk themselves out of coming to see a counselor thinking that they can deal with treatment on their own. However, patients who participate in even just a couple of counseling sessions often report that they feel much better while trying to get pregnant. Many people find it helpful to speak with someone who understands and can provide assurance that their feelings are normal. Family, friends, support groups and religious leaders can also provide insight and comfort during this time.
The Fertility Center offers counseling at no cost in the Grand Rapids office to help people sort through the variety of feelings they are experiencing. An experienced counselor can give indivualized ideas on how to get through treatment in a healthy way. Seeking help during difficult times is a wise idea. Taking care of our emotions is an important part of an over all wellness plan.
Sumbitted by Kristin Blackwell, LMSW, Counselor at the Fertility Center (March 2009)
