Infertility among both men and women is neither rare nor unusual. The consequences of infertility and the corrective measures sought out by those who are infertile and wish to conceive can be psychologically off the course. Extreme depression, anxiety, and emotional distress are considered mental conditions that many individuals seek help for. As such, individuals undergoing emotional distress and depression as a result of infertility are also deserving of psychological help. The question here is when does the need for help come about? How can one differentiate between normal levels of emotional distress and extreme levels of the same that prompts the need for professional help? Read further to know the answers.
While it is merely a social construct that does not define the value of a woman, motherhood is a social role that most women aspire to fit into. In the case of women facing fertility issues; the inability to meet social expectations and fit into this social role owing to infertility can lead to low self esteem. Studies suggest that there are no psychopathological differences between normal individuals and those that are affected by infertility; the chasm becomes wider when levels of stress and low self esteem is measured between the two groups. When your infertility is accompanied by low self esteem; it is time to seek professional help to regain your confidence.
Perhaps it's because of the confidence in modern medicine or that the prospect of being infertile is yet to sink in; pre-treatment depression and emotional distress between those who are infertile and those who are not is not vastly different. However, post unsuccessful IVF treatments; emotional distress, stress, anxiety and depression is heightened. This is indicative of the fact that women who have experienced multiple failed IVF treatments can stand to benefit from psychological intervention to overcome emotional distress, depression and the trauma of repeated IVF failure.
While not many studies have analyzed the social response to infertility and what it means to those affected by infertility; there is no doubt that there are negative social connotations attached to infertility. As such; the social response to infertility may lead to stress and emotional distress. At this point; it becomes necessary to seek out support from your partner, family and friends.
From the information presented above; it is obvious that infertility can result in mild to extreme emotional distress. When depressive thoughts connected to one’s inability conceive naturally persists to the point of being debilitating; one must seek out professional help and counseling.
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