Looking after your mental health during fertility treatment

Congratulations, you’ve taken a huge step in making the decision to go ahead with fertility treatment! You’ve probably already done some research; there’s really no hiding the fact that fertility treatment is stressful and can take its toll both physically and emotionally. In fact, you may feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster. After all, there is so much to learn about and consider, including the process itself, the technicalities of financing your treatment, the logistics of fitting in appointments around work, the impact on your relationship, alongside the side effects of fertility drugs. With all this to deal with, looking after your mental health during fertility treatment is more important than ever.

Many individuals and couples feel like they are alone in their fertility struggles but that is simply not true. Around one in seven couples in the UK are diagnosed with infertility so you may be surprised how many people can relate to what you are going through in one way or another.

Whilst everyone is different, what is universal is the importance of having effective coping mechanisms. What works for you may not work for someone else so it is worth trying a few different approaches and seeing what suits you best. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive collection of practical tips and advice for looking after your mental health during IVF.

Tips and advice

Lean on your fertility team

Your chosen fertility clinic in London will have a team of skilled doctors, nurses and a support team who are well versed in all aspects of fertility treatment; they all are familiar with the difficulties, pressure and stress that come with undergoing treatment. Be sure to make the most of your fertility team by leaning on them for guidance, support, and ask all your burning questions to put your mind at ease.

Support groups

They say a problem shared is a problem halved. Although this may not always be accurate, many people find it incredibly helpful to talk to other people they don’t know about the things that are bothering them. There are many fertility-specific support groups online but you may also be able to find a support group in person near you – particularly if you live in a busy city. It is a great way to make connections, get support from others, and learn about the experiences of people who are going through the same things as you. In the UK fertility clinics should offer to put you in touch with a counsellor as part of your IVF treatment. Many people choose to decline it, but it may surprise you to learn how beneficial both men and women find it.

Family and friends

We understand that going through fertility treatment can feel precarious and you may not want to talk about it until you know that it has worked but having a good support network is incredibly important. Although you may not want to share what you are going through with your whole family, you may have a friend or family member who you trust to share your worries and concerns with – having someone like this can be beneficial as you can lean on them for emotional support. 

Journalling

You may not feel like sharing your innermost thoughts about the struggles of fertility treatment with people, and that is absolutely ok. But did you know that journaling can be a really helpful way of getting those thoughts out of your head and helping you to process them? After all, a journal is completely impartial.

Know what to expect

The more information you can arm yourself with about your fertility and the IVF process, the better equipped you will be to deal with it emotionally. There is no doubt that all kinds of fertility treatment is emotionally challenging. Learning the details of the process, the side effects to medication that you can expect to deal with, can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed. Although it is good to do your own research online, you should make the most of your fertility team and their knowledge – be sure to make a list of questions and ask them anything that comes to mind during your appointments.

Mindfulness

Meditation is a useful tool for helping with self-compassion and emotional regulation, and can be an effective coping strategy for those going through fertility treatment. Relaxation techniques like meditation can also be useful for improving sleep (which in turn helps lower cortisol levels). Mindfulness doesn’t need to take much time, and can be as simple as a two-minute breathing exercise, body scanning, or visualisation. A simple breathing exercise you can try right now is to just focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale. Breathe in through your nose for three seconds, hold your breath for three seconds, and exhale for four seconds. Keep focusing on your breath and as your mind wanders and you are distracted by your thoughts or feelings in your body, simply notice them and then return your focus back to your breath and continue to do this for the full two minutes.

Look after your physical health

Physical health feeds into mental health. Exercise is a proven way of burning off stress. It can help you to maintain a positive outlook and cope mentally through the stresses associated with fertility treatment. The hormone drugs that are part of IVF do cause you to feel fatigued. However, staying active, despite how difficult it may feel at the time, can actually help to improve how you feel. It can also have a considerable positive impact on your sleep.

Looking after your mental health during fertility treatment

No matter what kind of fertility treatment you are having, it’s important to be kind to yourself. It’s only natural to have negative thoughts and emotions during fertility treatment. Making use of the tips above can really have a big positive impact on your mental health and wellbeing at a difficult time. We wish you the best of luck on your fertility journey.