april 21-27 is canadian fertility awareness week

The medical aspects of infertility are widely discussed, but the mental health toll often goes unnoticed. Let’s talk about it.

The desire to start a family is a deeply human one. But for millions facing infertility, the path to parenthood can feel like the universe is hitting you with the "not today" button. The medical aspects of infertility are widely discussed, but the mental health toll often goes unnoticed.

The reality is that infertility can be a lonely and isolating experience that people don’t often talk about while they’re going through it. Scrolling through endless pregnancy announcements can feel like a punch in the gut, and everyone seems to have two cents (usually unsolicited) to throw in. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed, and let's face it, that stress can snowball into anxiety and depression.

Individuals and couples may struggle with feelings of:

Grief and loss: The unfulfilled dream of having a biological child can lead to profound grief. Each unsuccessful cycle can feel like a fresh loss.
Isolation: Friends and family who conceive easily may offer unsolicited advice or seem insensitive. This can lead couples to withdraw socially.
Anger and resentment: Feelings of anger towards oneself, one's partner, or even fate are common.
Depression and anxiety: The constant stress of infertility can lead to clinical depression and anxiety.
Relationship strain: Communication can suffer, and intimacy may become strained as the focus narrows on getting pregnant.

Therapy Can Help

But hold on a sec, it doesn’t have to be that way. Therapy can help throughout this whole rollercoaster ride. Think of it as a safe space where you can vent about the unfairness of it all without judgement.

Process emotions: Bottling up emotions is a recipe for disaster. Therapists are pros at listening and helping you process all those confusing feelings.
Develop coping mechanisms: Therapists can teach healthy coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
Relationship rescue: Communication breakdowns are a real thing during the infertility struggle. Couples therapy can help you and your partner talk things through and stay on the same page.
Make informed decisions: Therapy can help you explore all your options, including adoption, fostering, or something else entirely.

Remember, you're not alone in this.

Infertility affects more people than you might think, and there's a whole community out there cheering you on, including the team at Kindred Roots, some of whom have struggled with infertility too! So, don't be afraid to reach out.

Book a 15 minute consult with Kelly, Chanda, or any member of the Kindred Roots team to find out how therapy can help you cope with the family planning journey.