Understanding Infertility and Depression

A human being is a social animal; highly susceptible to physical and emotional stresses arising out of failed attempts to conceive. Nothing compares to the joy of procreation, being parents and lovingly nurturing a child, unfortunately, the pressing problem of growing infertility among couples, often acts as a hindrance to childbirth. Both infertility and depression in the current world scenario are highly stigmatized. A lot of the depression tends to stem from the societal denial to accept these medical conditions into the mainstream form of treatment. There are several fertility centers in Hyderabad rendering dual opportunities for couples to conceive and mentally cope up with the pre and post treatment of infertility.

A Sense of hopelessness prevails

Depression tends to breed in the sense of isolation, women face anxiety and depression issues, followed by heart risks and cancer whereas, men tend to face anxiety and a feeling of low self-esteem. As per Harvard Health, several psychological side-effects get triggered by infertility drugs. The synthetic estrogen, clomiphene citrate usually prescribed for improved ovulation, tends to cause irritation, sleep disruption, and wayward mood swings.

Research conducted in 2011 stated that people suffering from depression resent opting for infertility treatment. It is the hopelessness of depression which makes infertility treatment appear futile. The first step towards the cure, in this case, is learning to accept that you suffer from depression. Depression aggravates when month after month couples have to undergo that cycle of ovulation and wait prolonged periods for results, this breeds in the sense of negativity.

How do you spot the symptoms of depression?

Depression and infertility presuppose each other, it is often said depression propels the need to consume alcohol or aggravate the willingness to smoke, these are typically damaging for fertility. Our mental well-being is a big regulating factor in our lives because the mind solely and wholly controls us. Some early signs are-

  • A Changed appetite which can either accelerate hunger or not.
  • Strained interpersonal relationships
  • Increased dependence and consumption of drugs and alcohol
  • Recurring suicidal thoughts.

Back in 1991, it was recorded that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act recommends, counseling should be essentially made available to all couples undergoing fertility treatment. Researchers are of the opinion that several couples post failed IVF; tend to grieve for up to 3 years. Elementarily the psychological causes are related to the polycystic ovarian syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, and diminishing ovarian reveres.

Combatting Infertility Depression

Cure from depression rests mainly on one’s willingness to embrace positivity. Several fertility centers in Hyderabad, help people recover from depression through mind-body therapies, talk therapy, and through support groups. In several critical cases, psychologists and doctor’s work together to reverse the signs of depression. Taking an antidepressant or ancillary medication is strictly prohibited during this period. Recognizing the early signs of depression helps curb it before it gets to an advanced stage.

Since infertility brings in a huge sense of disappointment and guilt, one should first learn to identify the stimulus and then battle it through the application of fight-or-flight response. Depression and infertility are just mental and physical state of ones being, the right therapy can help restore improved fertility and mental vitality.

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