After hearing your infertility diagnosis, moving forward may seem impossible. But, you can also feel empowered after an infertility diagnosis. By surrounding yourself with supportive people, turning to a reputable clinic for fertility help, and educating yourself and your family, you can move forward in a positive and productive way.
Let’s look at healthy ways to tackle your infertility diagnosis and dream for tomorrow.
Step 1. Seek Support
Coping with infertility can be hard, but remember that you are not alone. There are individuals and couples in similar situations and together, you can support one another. RESOLVE by The National Infertility Association is the largest infertility resource in the United States. Take a peek around their site to connect with others in your shoes. Not only do they provide an online support group, but they also help host free in-person programs across the country. These groups serve as healthy outlets for your questions and concerns.
Having a safe space to talk and listen is priceless in your journey of coping with infertility. A few other online support groups include, an infertility specific community on Reddit, Attain Fertility, DailyStrength Infertility Support Group, FertileThoughts Infertility Forums, VF-infertility.com, and many more. There are even infertility podcasts where individuals and couples share their journey! If you want to pursue a different kind of support group, such as a book club, church gathering, or even just hanging out with friends, that’s great too! It is amazing how support can really help one’s emotional well-being. No matter how you go about it, finding support in your time of need will do wonders for your mental and emotional health.
Step 2. Educate Yourself
Have you ever heard the saying, “knowledge is power”? In the case of fertility help, this is very true. After undergoing the initial shock of your infertility diagnosis, learning what it means is a great next step. Attending educational sessions at your local hospitals or fertility clinics is a great way to start. Do online research, but always make sure you are getting information from reputable sources, like our blog and the National Infertility Association site, RESOLVE. After learning more about your diagnosis, you will feel much more in control while coping with infertility.
Step 3. Make a Plan and Follow Through
Often, setting tangible goals helps people overcome their hurdles. If, after receiving your infertility diagnosis, you want to learn more about your options for starting a family, and find a fertility specialist you trust to help you find the right treatment. Depending on your case, they can help you weigh different fertility options, including IVF, IUI, ICSI, and more. Setting goals such as knowing your insurance coverage, establishing a timeline, and discussing your needs will help you take practical next steps. Learn more about meeting with a fertility specialist for the first time here.
Step 4. Don’t Forget About You
At first, it may be hard to think of anything else besides your diagnosis. But, maintaining your health and happiness is key to long-term success. Remember, infertility does not define you. Think about all of the things that matter to you in life and try not to focus on just this one setback. Throw your energy into meeting your goals at your job. Work to make your relationships even stronger than they once were. Continue to do the things you love, or even try something new!
Now’s a great time to pick up new hobbies to both distract yourself from your diagnosis and grow your skills and passions. For example, try mastering one new home cooked meal a week to get better at cooking. Or try your hand at painting, sewing, or gardening. Want to take on something more meaningful? Start volunteering with an organization that you care about, such as these community opportunities centered around women. As long as you’re doing something that makes you happy, that’s all that counts. Positive and healthy activities like these will help you clear your mind and focus on your worth as a person and the surprises yet to come.
Receiving an infertility diagnosis may be hard, but it’s not your ending – it is only the beginning! Seek support from loved ones and support groups, educate yourself, make an action plan, and take care of yourself and you’ll craft a positive infertility journey in no time. If you ever feel helpless or stressed while coping with infertility, our counselors are here to talk.
