Reason #5: When Considering a Childfree Life
Whether it comes after years of treatments, or early on with a realization that the available options aren’t right for you, realizing that you’re not going to have kids is extremely difficult. For some, counseling can help with processing the emotions that come with this realization.
“When a couple feels they are at the end of treatment options, they have two choices -- either live childfree or adopt. Neither decision is an easy one,” says Fletcher. “I think it is imperative that they come to an actual decision to live childfree and not just let time pass without doing any more treatment or adopting. It is an extremely difficult, but empowering, decision.”
Reason #6: Because You’d Like More Support
Maybe you’re not feeling particularly depressed or anxious, and you don’t fall within any of the above groups. But you feel like you could use more support, someone to talk to, who can give you more tools for coping. Counseling can be a good choice for you, too.
You don’t have to have a reason, per se. You don’t have to wait until you’re feeling so overwhelmed that you truly are depressed and having anxiety attacks.
Unfortunately, seeing a mental health counselor is considered a sign of weakness by some people. The thinking goes that if only you were strong enough (whatever that means), then you wouldn’t need help with coping.
This just isn’t true. In my opinion, strong people know when they need extra help. Seeing a therapist is nothing to be ashamed of. I started seeing a psychologist after my second miscarriage, and her support and input has helped me tremendously as I am going through infertility.
Whatever your reason, or non-reason is, you should know that you don’t have to go through this infertility journey alone and without help. Counselors out there who are trained to help you. And if you could use the extra support, reach out for it.
Source:
Penny Joss Fletcher. Email Correspondence/Interview. September 25 and October 14, 2008.
