Coping with infertility during the holidays is not easy for couples who are trying to conceive.
Worldwide, it is estimated that infertility is affecting 50 to 80 million people (World Health Organization, 1991). It is expected that there are around 8–12% of couples who are unable to conceive due to some form of infertility during their reproductive years. When a woman fails to conceive even after one year of regular sexual activity without any contraceptive protection, this is known as infertility. During the holiday season, couples dealing with infertility often face unique challenges and emotions. Let’s dig more about how we can coping with infertility during the holidays.
Christmas is a time when families gather, and the focus is particularly on family ties and kids. However, if you are struggling with infertility and trying to conceive, this may be a difficult time of the year. It is okay to feel less joyful or think about what the future holds for you or will you be celebrating next Christmas with your little baby?
Let us discuss some points that can help all of us cope with infertility during this holiday season:
Feelings of sadness and loneliness are common among infertile couples.
Fortunately, you are not alone to have this kind of feeling, so there is no need to feel guilty. There are many intended parents who go through this phase, however, coping with infertility during the holiday season is comparable easy for those who tackle one day at a time with positivity and hopefulness.
Infertility treatments generate a wide range of emotions for a longer period of time. Waiting, uncertainty, and the high demands of treatment can lead to feelings of frustration, confusion, and resentment. Additionally, when everyone seems to enjoy family and social gatherings, for would-be intended parents it is hard to ignore questions about their fertility issues. It is obvious that intended parents wish to avoid such questions as they hurt them and they remember the struggle they are going through. That is why they go to any length to avoid such probing.
Practical Strategies for coping with Infertility During the Holidays
Tips for managing emotional stress intended parents can turn to counseling, support groups, or online resources to help them navigate their feelings and situations. Below are a few tips to follow and make the ride smoother during the holidays.
#1. Don’t punish yourself:
Remember, you are doing your best and it is only a matter of time. Not all fingers are the same and similarly, not all women have the same reproductive health and it might take more time to conceive. You are doing what is expected from you and you do have the right to enjoy and live life fully.
#2. Say No to events:
If you feel you do not wish to meet or see some friends or family members to avoid their deep probing, you can avoid going to meet them. You are allowed to prioritize your mental health and peace of mind over social engagements
#3. Focus on your self-care:
Self-care is the most important aspect of fertility treatments. It is not just physical but also psychological well-being that matters. Taking time for yourself is essential to cope with the physical and emotional roller coaster of fertility treatments
#4. Take a social media break:
The amount of content on social media during the festivities of the holiday season can make would be parents feel overwhelmed. Taking a social media break can help alleviate these feelings of overwhelm and give you a sense of control over your own thoughts. You can connect with friends who are empathic and uplift you. Also, finding a community that supports the TTC group may help.
#5. Give yourself time to heal and relax:
Taking a break from social media can also help you to create a sense of balance and give yourself some much-needed time to relax, heal and recharge and give ideas for finding joy during the holidays. Find the things and events which make you happy and relaxed. Plan a trip together with your partner and bond with each other and cherish what you have now.
#6. Be hopeful and full of gratitude:
Focus on being thankful for what you have and be hopeful for future outcomes. Having gratitude helps us to focus on our blessings.
Conclusion
ConclusionA couple that is trying to conceive will undoubtedly experience an emotional state of frustration and disappointment and a sense of loss if a pregnancy is not easily achieved. Besides this, not being able to be successful after multiple attempts of medical intervention, the man and or woman are labeled as “infertile” which may result in a severe insult to self-esteem, body image, and self-assessed masculinity or femininity.
As a result, it is important for couples struggling with infertility to find positive ways of dealing with their stress, especially during the holidays
It is important that would-be parents recognize that they are not alone in their struggles, and seek out a support system of friends, family members, and other couples going through the same rides.
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