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Infertility Patient’s Mental Health Problems Often Unaddressed
Infertility is a concern that affects countless couples and individuals across the globe. According to the Massachusetts Center for Women’s Health, infertility affects an estimated 10%-15% of couples of reproductive age, with increasing participation in fertility treatment [1].
Thankfully today, there are many advanced interventions that has helped couples dealing with infertility go on to successfully have a child, but even so, the process that individuals will undergo can be strenuous, physically, emotionally, and mentally. The psychological impact of infertility is something that is not as readily discussed, identified, or treated, yet this is a common area of concern for those dealing with this issue.
Mental Health and Infertility
Couples who are facing infertility are more likely to have various mental health concerns, such as increased anxiety, depression, and mood disorders in the face of the surmounting stress encountered through this process. Many studies have found that the incidence of depression in infertile couples undergoing treatment for infertility is significantly higher than in fertile controls [1].
The process of going through the fertility treatments, waiting for outcomes, having countless doctor appointments and undergoing endless procedures, some invasive, can create an emotional rollercoaster. With the main focus of infertility treatment often about the results, concerning mental health issues, like depression, are often overlooked or untreated.
Women in particular, who face infertility, can be at greater risk for having an eating disorder in face of the mental health issues that may have surfaced during the infertility journey. However, many infertility clinics do not screen or assess for mental health issues prior to undergoing treatments, and this can leave a woman susceptible to a host of issues associated with mental health concerns.
Connecting to Help and Support
There is no denying that infertility brings about overwhelming struggle, stress, fear, frustration, and a host of other emotions that can be psychologically draining. If you are undergoing treatment for infertility and suspect that you might be dealing with increased stress, anxiety, or depression, it is important to connect to support during this delicate time.
Ask your doctor about resources that might help support your emotional health as you go through this journey, including infertility support groups or mental health counselors that specialize in reproductive help.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What do you think are some factors that make a person who has infertility more susceptible to developing an eating disorder?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Director of Content and Social Media for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
References:
[1]: MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, “Fertility and Mental Health”, https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/infertility-and-mental-health/?doing_wp_cron=1480151036.0420119762420654296875The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 26, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
Baxter Ekern is the President of Eating Disorder Hope. He is responsible for the management and operations of Eating Disorder Hope. Baxter has been lending his services to Eating Disorder Hope for several years but came on board as the full-time president in November 2016.
