October is Emotional Wellness Month, and for those undergoing infertility treatments, this serves as a reminder to stay strong. Infertility impacts your life in many ways. Persevering through these challenges also involves maintaining your emotional health. Learn more about the emotional effects of fertility struggles and infertility treatments, as well as tips for improving your emotional health.

Infertility’s Emotional Impact

A 2008 study conducted on the emotional state of couples struggling with infertility found that they reported depression, sadness, anger, and humiliation. Physical symptoms included exhaustion, disorganization, mood swings, irritability, and obsessive thoughts.

Women with primary or secondary infertility have as much emotional stress and upheaval as those who have cancer or are recovering from a heart attack, with 50% of women and 15% of men stating that infertility was the most upsetting occurrence in their lives. On top of this, infertility treatments can exacerbate emotional upset since they’re physically, emotionally, and financially demanding.

How to Cope

If infertility treatments cause you stress, you’ll need resources to improve your emotional health. One of the biggest resources available is psychological counseling provided by a professional with clinical training specifically for patients struggling with infertility. Ask your fertility doctor to recommend a psychologist or counselor who specializes in infertility, who will be able to support you through the emotional roller-coaster of infertility. Exercise can also help because it regulates certain chemicals, such as serotonin, in your body, which can alleviate depression and provide stress relief.

In Honolulu, HI, seek infertility treatments and emotional support from the experts at Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute. For over 33 years, their board-certified physicians have provided fertility assistance, utilizing the latest advances in treatments and technologies to give you the best chance at starting a family. View their IVF options online, or call them at (808) 946-2226 to schedule a consultation.