Mother’s Day is hard for patients facing infertility, but infertility counseling can help

Holidays are supposed to be happy occasions, but they don’t always work that way. For example, if you’re having trouble getting pregnant, Mother’s Day can be a painful reminder. Our Austin infertility doctors are here to support women in achieving their family-building goals. In addition to providing customized fertility treatment plans, they can also help patients find infertility counseling.

How can you find infertility counseling?

There are lots of ways to get emotional support on your infertility journey. There are online and in-person support groups. There are friends and family. However, patients sometimes need a little more help. This is when a counselor with an understanding of infertility can help.

Infertility counselors can provide individual and couples therapy. The goal is to help you explore your thoughts and feelings while also helping you identify coping mechanisms and solutions.

There are plenty of amazing counselors out there, but you might be wondering where to find them. Our Austin infertility doctors can refer you to local counselors. You can also go to ReproductiveFacts.org and click on “Find a Healthcare Professional.” There, you’ll find a list of mental health professionals near you.

When is it time to see a counselor?

It can be hard to know when to seek infertility counseling. Our Austin infertility doctors find that patients should visit a counselor if they feel depressed, anxious or stuck. Here are other signs that counseling could be right for you.

• Persistent feelings of sadness, guilt or shame
• Social isolation and loss of interest in hobbies and relationships
• Depression, mood swings and thoughts of self-harm
• Anxiety, agitation and distractibility
• Marital and relationship problems
• Preoccupation with infertility
• Changes in diet, sleep and weight

If any of the following symptoms sound familiar to you, we recommend reaching out to a counselor for support and guidance. Our Austin infertility doctors can also help you by developing a fertility treatment plan that allows you to bring home a healthy baby. Contact us to schedule an appointment.