“Don’t Be Ashamed”

Infertility is a silent disease. It goes unnoticed by everyone around you. It also entails a silent struggle as patients and couples grapple with its emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical impacts on their life.

As a physician dealing with infertility I can personally attest to this

I know what kind of impact it can have on your well-being and most importantly your mental health.

The road is grueling. So it’s no surprise that patients who struggle to conceive can experience feelings of grief, depression, anxiety, anhedonia, shame, guilt, and or low self-esteem.

Infertility wreaks havoc on your hormones, relationships, finances, and mood

Women on this journey live cycle to cycle in cautious optimism or defeat, experience side effects of hormones, financial stressors, cycle failures, miscarriages, blood draws, ultrasounds, cancelled cycles, and the list goes on.

Despite the disease affecting 1:8 couples , the majority of patients do not share their journey with family, friends or coworkers which further compounds the psychological impact.

As women who are TTC* we get drawn in to making all the physical and lifestyle changes to improve our chances of conception.

However it’s imperative you don’t forget about your mental health as well!

So I’m here to tell you DON’T BE ASHAMED! If you’re struggling then it’s ok to reach out or seek help. Talk to your doctor or REI. Arm yourself with all the tools you need to make it through this difficult journey. Most importantly find your tribe and know that you’re not alone.

*Trying To Conceive

To know more about this initiative: Stop Stigmatizing Mental Health: Our Stories, by Women In Medicine