You are not alone. 1 in 6 adults worldwide will experience infertility. Emotionally, this can be a lonely and isolating time in an individual’s life. The pain in pregnancy failure or loss is complex and devastating. It changes the relationship that you have with your body and the other people in your life. Practically, options for treatment require travel to specialist facilities and/or appointments and are largely funded out of pocket causing potential financial hardship.
All narratives and experiences are unique and valid. If someone you know is affected by infertility, please be a supportive listener. Validate and acknowledge the feelings that are being shared. Make yourself available and show up for that person in the most difficult of time. You do not need to have all the answers. Be your true authentic self and be honest and compassionate without comparisons. Empathy is best practiced without minimizing one's experiences.
Finding a network of individuals that may be able to provide social support through a group setting where you can feel that others share your experience can be a powerful method of feeling less isolated within your fertility journey. Knowing it is normal and natural for feelings of anxiety and uncertainty to arise at this time can also be helpful. Please reach out to us if you need assistance connecting with a group in your community.
Lastly, we want to support individuals and families by providing counseling in a safe space to understand or process emotions that accompany infertility, discuss grief, and promote healing and empowerment. You are not alone and you are worthy of support.
If you have any questions or comments about counseling please reach out! We are here to listen and guide you in the next steps.
Author: Nicole Wright BSW, RSW, PMH-C (Nicole Wright has attained a post degree perinatal mental health certificate and has evidence based training in the area of fertility and mental health)