How to Get Over Depression After Infertility

The causes of depression after infertility are multi-pronged, so an equally multi-pronged approach should be taken to deal with the emotions unique to this condition. Depression is actually a normal reaction to infertility, whether because of the medications used to control ovulation and stimulate pregnancy or the feelings of loss associated with miscarriage, cancelled IVF cycles and failed attempts at assisted reproductive technology.

Things You'll Need

• Therapist or psychologist
• Antidepressant medication
• Journal

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Instructions

• 1

  Cope by talking about infertility with other infertile couples. The International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination (INCIID) reports that one in six couples has fertility issues, so it's likely you're not alone in your feelings. Your fertile friends may not understand how difficult the tests and dashed hopes can be, while other couples experiencing a similar journey can. Infertility support groups and message boards are not only a place to get sympathy, they're also great places to get advice and recommendations for physicians. In addition, psychologist Liz O'Donnell interacts with INCIID members via the forums, offering support.

• 2

  Talk to your infertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist. Many of the medications that women take to stop and then stimulate ovulation, such as Lupron, have the side effect of depression. Discuss the side effects with your doctor to get an idea of how long the side effects are expected to last. If your depression symptoms last significantly longer than expected, it's time to talk to a counselor.

• 3

  Talk to a therapist. Sometimes your problems are beyond the scope of a support group and then it's time to talk to a professional who can help you figure out a strategy to cope with both the chemical and hormonal balances as well as the thought processes that contribute to the depression. A short-term course of antidepressants may help lift you from the depression, but to put it to rest, you must also deal with the issues and feelings of infertility.

• 4

  Take a walk in the sunshine. Studies have shown that 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day elevate mood in people with mild to moderate depression. Sunshine gives a dose of depression-fighting Vitamin D, too.

• 5

  Count your blessings and record your successes. Infertility is a condition you have; it's not who you and your partner are as people or as a couple. Keep a journal that focuses on the other areas of your life and your successes there. People with infertility tend to put lives on hold while going through treatments, according to INCIID, so it's important to remind yourself that you're still a vibrant, active person despite infertility.