Mental Health and Infertility 101: What You Should Know

Since 1949, May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. This annual campaign encourages us to remove the stigma surrounding mental health and open up the conversation to create a more productive dialogue. At Donor Egg Bank USA, we recognize the importance of advocating for mental health awareness and sharing resources – especially in relation to infertility. In this month’s blog, we’ll take a closer look at three common questions about infertility-related mental health to help you find the answers you may be looking for.

How are mental health and infertility connected?

Mental health and infertility are both major challenges that many face. While they tend to be thought of as two primarily unrelated difficulties, in reality, infertility and mental health can be closely connected. The reason being, infertility often weighs heavily on our closest relationships and self-image, our plans for the future, our finances, and more – all of which contribute to our overall mental health. 

Infertility — and all the emotions, and negative inner monologues that often go with it — can often make you feel misunderstood and isolated, as if you’re the only one to react like this. But recent statistics show that mental health issues among those experiencing infertility are all too common. In fact, 56% of women experiencing infertility report symptoms of depression and 76% report suffering from anxiety. These statistics emphasize just how important it is to acknowledge and understand the link between mental health and infertility, especially throughout your own journey to parenthood.

What are ways to protect my mental health while experiencing infertility? 

Remind yourself that not being pregnant is not your fault.

In case you missed it, our March blog explores several reasons why not being pregnant yet is not your fault. When challenges arise during your family-building journey, it can be all too easy to blame yourself. Searching for reasons why you’re at fault for infertility is not only unproductive, it can also be incredibly damaging to your mental health. Getting pregnant isn’t a walk in the park for everyone, and it’s important to remember why you don’t need to play the blame game with yourself.

Don’t be afraid to seek professional support.

When it comes to caring for our mental health, asking for help can seem daunting. And, in fact, even during infertility-related challenges, many people never pursue professional assistance with their mental health. One study found that less than 7% of infertility patients sought this kind of care. But it’s important to remember just how fortunate we are to live during a time that mental health has been massively destigmatized. Professional mental health care has also become increasingly accessible, with virtual and affordable therapy programs entering the mainstream. Choosing to see a psychologist, consult a doctor, or enter group therapy are all excellent steps toward taking care of yourself during a challenging time. It’s important to remind yourself that it’s not weak to ask for help; seeking help for your mental health is a brave move and an incredibly strong act of self-care. 

Focus on prioritizing mental health contributors within your control.

Infertility might feel like it’s consuming your entire life, mental health included. However, you can take back some of your power by prioritizing what you can actually control. Obviously, life circumstances can have a large impact on mental health issues. But there are techniques to help improve your mental health.

• Staying physically active is a great way to reduce stress and release endorphins. Finding a routine that works for you could look like a group fitness class, an at-home yoga video, dance classes with your partner, or even just walking your dog around the neighborhood. 
• Regular exercise also contributes to better sleep – another major mental health factor. Set aside the time for however many hours of sleep that work best for you. Create a bedtime routine that sets you up for a restful night of sleep: swap out the doom scrolling for a good book, set a curfew on checking work emails, treat yourself to a facemask and bubble bath. 
• Good nutrition can also play an important part in the quality of your mental health. For some, vitamin and nutrient deficiencies have been linked to increased depression and anxiety. Eating colorful meals, prioritizing nutrient-packed foods, and drinking plenty of water are all easy ways to create a more balanced diet.

Are there infertility-specific mental health resources I can consult?

Yes! Although mental health support unique to infertility may seem like a niche, there is actually a plethora of great resources out there. Here are a few you might find particularly valuable if you’re experiencing infertility-related mental health issues.

Learn coping techniques for difficult emotions related to infertility.

In a recent article, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association offers eight coping techniques for those experiencing infertility. Not only does this resource outline specific and actionable ideas for managing difficult emotions related to infertility, but several of the techniques consider partners as well.  

Read about the experiences of others who have been in your position.

There is so much to learn from those who have dealt with similar struggles. Melissa Butcher, in partnership with Donor Egg Bank USA, offers a particularly insightful and vulnerable account of her own experience with fertility issues and mental health in her blog post “Is This Normal?” This powerful account reminds us of the complex emotions that come with family building while dealing with infertility. Learning about the experiences of others can help you feel seen and heard, when it can often feel as though the rest of the world is unaware.

Find a support group that works for you.

Infertility can often feel like an isolating experience – but it doesn’t have to stay that way. RESOLVE’s website has an infertility support group finder. This allows you to navigate support group offerings by city, state, and region, by peer versus professionally led groups, and even by specific subjects or identities. And if you can’t find an in-person group nearby, RESOLVE’s database searches for virtual support groups. It’s an easy way to find a multitude of infertility communities right at your fingertips. 

At Donor Egg Bank USA, we’re here to support you along the path to parenthood regardless of what comes with it. We’re proud to act as a resource for building your family and achieving your dream. 

Ready to learn more about using frozen donor egg to help grow your family? Just reach out to our qualified team at Donor Egg Bank USA to find out more, including information about our Assured Refund Plan®. Or, if you’re ready to find your ideal donor, start your search here.