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If you remain depressed, rather than having "ups and downs" that seem to be related to your treatment, you may need to seek professional therapy. Counseling can help you honestly examine your feelings, determine your priorities, and improve your coping skills.
There are several signs that indicate serious depression. If you find yourself constantly feeling sad, desperate, worthless, or inadequate, professional counseling may help you better understand your situation. Other signs that indicate a need for professional counseling are lack of motivation, withdrawal from social activities, feeling overly sensitive, vulnerable, or guilty, and having suicidal thoughts.
In addition to the emotional signs of depression, there are several biological and physical signs that you should look for. For example, if you're having difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep or if you find yourself waking up early and being unable to go back to sleep, this could signal depression. Other signs are excessive increase in, or loss of, appetite, loss of sexual desire, and fatigue.
You might also want to seek help if you and your partner are unable to communicate with each other about your infertility and its treatment, and if you're having difficulty coping with extreme anger or resentment.It is important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about infertility treatment, and is aware of the difficulties and emotions that go along with it. Remember, you are choosing the therapist. It is acceptable to interview a number of professionals in order to select someone who is familiar with your situation and who makes you feel comfortable.
Dr Domar has pioneered the development of specialized mind-body programs, which are specifically designed for infertile couples. These teach couples useful tools, such as yoga and meditation, to help them to elicit the relaxation response which improves their physical and emotional responses to stress; and also behavioral strategies to enhance coping skills. The goals of these programs are to increase sense of control and well being; and develop skills to ease the infertility treatment process, and such programs have been shown to help many patients.
Your physician may be able to recommend a suitable therapist, or you may want to check with a professional medical or psychological organization, or an infertility support group in your community, in order to seek appropriate counseling.
© Dr. Aniruddha Malpani and Dr. Anjali Malpani www.drmalpani.com
Credits: How to Have a Baby: Overcoming Infertility
