Navigating Mental Health and Infertility
By Sophie Sulehria
This week on Let’s all Talk Fertility, I spoke to Psychotherapist Alejandra Losada Andrade. This conversation is important, as infertility is not just a physical challenge, it's a profound emotional journey that can deeply affect a person’s mental health. Alejandra Losada Andrade, an integrative psychotherapist specialising in infertility, gynecological, and antenatal issues, gave good insight into the psychological impact of infertility and offers guidance on coping strategies.
Understanding the Mental Health Impact:
"The impact [of infertility] is very important and it is very sadly overlooked," says Alejandra. The journey is often silent and unseen, with many not realising the extent to which it can affect individuals. "About 90% of women going through IVF experience symptoms of depression... 40% have experienced suicidal thoughts," Although this information is shocking to hear, it’s not a surprise considering the gravity of the situation.
The Multifaceted Nature of Infertility's Impact:
Infertility can challenge one's sense of self and future, Alejandra explains. "Infertility can challenge how people understand how their life will look like... and that can be very destabilising." It's not just about the inability to conceive, it's about the grief of lost expectations and the erosion of self-esteem; ”When they go through a fertility journey, they question whether their bodies are capable... that can also be very destabilising," she adds.
Strategies for Coping:
Alejandra emphasises the importance of acknowledging and accepting the difficult emotions that come with infertility. "It's absolutely normal to feel that way," she assures us. She suggests several coping strategies:
Seeking Support: "Seeking support from therapists or a support group... is important," advises Alejandra. A professional can provide a confidential space to process emotions.
Practicing Self-Care: Relaxation techniques can help manage anxiety and stress.
Staying Present: Focusing on the present moment can prevent the mind from dwelling on past traumas or future worries.
The Role of Therapy:
Alejandra advocates for therapy as a proactive approach to managing the emotional toll of infertility. "When people go a little bit earlier before those emotions are so ingrained... the support the journey might be less difficult," she explains. Therapy can help individuals connect with their resilience and strength, potentially changing how they feel about themselves and their relationships
Positive Outcomes and Growth:
Despite the hardships, Alejandra notes that some individuals find that their journey through infertility leads to personal growth. "They say that they are a very, very different person... they see things in themselves that they didn't see before," she shares. This newfound resilience and strength can be transformative, not just for the individuals but also for their relationships.
Alejandra's message is one of validation and self-compassion. "If they are experiencing those feelings... it's understandable given the situation that they are in," she says. It's crucial for individuals to treat themselves with kindness and seek the support they need to navigate this challenging path.
For those looking for support, Alejandra and her team at Fertility Support London offer a range of therapies tailored to the needs of those on a fertility journey. Or come and meet Alejandra at this year’s Fertility Show! If you need support, there is nowhere else with as many fertility support services, all under one roof. Book your tickets HERE now.
But above all else, remember, you're not alone, and there are resources and professionals ready to help you through this time.