Infertility often creates one of the most distressing life crises that a couple has ever experienced together. The long term inability to conceive a child can evoke significant feelings of loss. Coping with the multitude of medical decisions and the uncertainties that infertility brings can create great emotional upheaval for most couples. If you find yourself feeling anxious, depressed, out of control, or isolated, you are not alone.
However, if you experience any of the following symptoms over a prolonged period of time, you may benefit a great deal from working with a mental health professional:
•loss of interest in usual activities
•depression that doesn't lift
•strained interpersonal relationships (with partner, family, friends and/or colleagues)
•difficulty thinking of anything other than your infertility
•high levels of anxiety.
•diminished ability to accomplish tasks
•difficulty with concentration
•change in your sleep patterns (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, early morning awakening, sleeping more than usual for you)
•change in your appetite or weight (increase or decrease)
•increased use of drugs or alcohol
•thoughts about death or suicide
•social isolation
•persistent feelings of pessimism, guilt, or worthlessness
•persistent feelings of bitterness or anger
In addition, there are certain points during infertility treatment when discussion with a mental health professional of various options and exploration of your feelings about these options can help facilitate clarification of your thinking and help with your decision making. For example, consultation with a mental health professional may be helpful to you and your partner if you are:
•at a treatment crossroad
•deciding between alternative treatment possibilities
•exploring other family building options
•considering third party assistance (gamete donation, surrogacy)
•having difficulty communicating or if you have different ideas about what direction to take
Hypnotic Session can help! The primary goal is to help you learn how to cope with the physical and emotional changes associated with infertility. For some, the focus may be on how to deal with a partner's response. For others, it may be on how to control stress, anxiety, or depression.