Stress or anything related to stress is not at all good, not just for the mind, but for the body, as well. It creates a havoc of different things inside the body, more so if it is related to not being able to conceive or infertility. Going through infertility is a threat, but not taking these things seriously is a huge achievement. The good part is that there are treatments available helping to get out of these things. IVF centre in India is considered one of the best.
When couples get to know, that even after trying for several years they cannot conceive, they are likely to get depressed. There are many couples who are going through this phase, and also who like to inform and guide others, regarding the same.
Many couples, having infertility issues, go into stress (which many times, even they don’t realize), which further adds on to their getting into depression, or it can make the already present depression and anxiety worse.
Depression is all the more likely to happen to those who have infertility issues, if depression runs in the family or if they do not have much support coming their way, which will lead them to have feelings of isolation. The medicines and the treatment for infertility can help in the emotional well being, and also help in depression.
What is the connection between infertility and depression?
- Different studies present different results, one study conducted on non- IVF patients had different results on both men and women.
- It is also likely that depression leading to many lifestyle habits, which can, in turn, have a negative impact on the chances of conceiving.
- So is the appetite affected, weight, being over or underweight can also create problems?
- Smoking or drinking also starts or increase with depression. So, does anxiety create problems?
- Sleep is also disturbed.
Sadness v/s depression
- How do others know your state of mind? Both, emotionally and physically, it can be described by the stress of dealing with infertility.
- When should one seek help from depression?
- It is difficult to say.
Many times, even doctors find it difficult to find out about the reactions, if they are psychological and which are caused by medicines.
Often, stress and sadness are two sides of the same coin – they are part and parcel of dealing with infertility. There are many things put at stake, dreams are shattered, relationship with family members goes for a toss. The mood goes up and down, as if on a roller coaster ride. Many times, one cannot understand if the sadness is due to some events, like the treatment, test result, or a friend’s baby shower party. The feelings are very essential and counselling is recommended at the earliest.
Depression is very different and can vary from little to much more. A person with, mild depression feels tired and sad.
Symptoms to look for in persons having depression:
- Feel unmotivated, not willing to do anything, either at home or office.
- Not having the urge to eat anything or feeling like eating plentiful.
- Goes without saying that a depressed person feels like breaking out.
- All the time feelings of hopelessness are present in the person.
- Gets irritated at the slightest of things, becomes intolerable to others, more so ever with family and friends.
- All the time, sad feelings conquering the person, which last for a longer time, than they should.
- Trouble related to sleep, either not sleeping at all, or too much.
- Getting worried or having panic attacks.
- Don’t ever think of running your life.
Do infertility and depression share something with each other?
Infertility in both men and women increases stress, anxiety, depression; miscarriages can lead to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Lifestyle changes also matter
It sometimes feels nice to have junk food or alcohol or delay sleep time by having coffee, but, all these things work as adding fire to fuel, for both fertility and depression.
Look at what you binge
It is a known fact by all that a diet which is poor in nutritive value is not good for health (be it physical, emotional or mental), and it can very well increase the chances of infertility, can also have a negative impact on sperms, along with having negative influence on depression and mood swings. Besides this, even consumption of caffeine should be restricted. No two ways of saying that having a healthy diet, do in much than being good, health-wise.
Many Mind-body practices are also becoming quite a fad with everyone; they improve chances of conception and also lessen the feeling of depression. Yoga, meditation, visualization, mindfulness, exercise, all these things should be part of everyone’s regimen.
Being creative also helps to a large extent have talked about this, many times). E it expressive writing or just a bit of journaling or art therapy, can help to a large extent. The benefits of these things have been suggested and also supported in studies, but it is up to you to see what works best for you.
Treatment – infertility, and depression
In case you are suffering from any signs of low mood or depression, then you need to speak to your doctor regarding the same. Maybe there is a hormonal imbalance that needs to be corrected, your doctor will be able to make changes in medicines, also maybe refer you to a fertility counsellor or a mental health professional.
Also, one more point to mention is that the combined effect of talk therapy along with medication is also very effective
It goes without saying that dealing with depression or infertility is a major life challenge. Trying to get away with both, can be relaxing. IVF cost in India is also very much less.
