The holiday season can be a hard time for mental health. If you’re on a fertility journey, it’s important that you’re taking good care of yourself during a time when your mental health may be more strongly affected. Holiday cards, happy children, toy commercials, Hallmark movies, and all the other aspects of a typically joyous time can increase depression and anxiety for people struggling with fertility. Protecting your mental health during this time is very important. Here are some things you can do.
First, have a strategy to handle holiday cards and gifts that come in the mail. Cards and gifts with family pictures, birth or pregnancy announcements, and other uncomfortable surprises or sentiments are easier to process when you have a plan. You may want to have your partner open and screen them, for example, or open them together or with a friend. Then you can cry, vent, and address your emotions with someone you can trust, and who understands your struggle.
Second, consider how much information about your fertility journey you want to share with others, and how you’ll handle unwanted or intrusive questions. While it’s important to understand that family and friends might not all cater to you, surrounding yourself with compassionate people who respect your boundaries is a great way to protect your mental health.
Additionally, keep in mind that it’s all right to say no to a gathering or party. Whether you’re being asked to host or just attend, your mental health has to come first. You can say no, or you can plan to go for a little while and have an exit strategy if you need to leave early. Remember, you don’t owe explanations or apologies to anyone for doing what’s right for your mental health and your fertility journey.
With some planning and care, you can get the most out of holiday experiences with your family and friends, and reduce any negative impacts on your mental health at the same time. Then you can focus on your fertility journey as you move past the holidays and into the new year.
We know how difficult it is to take the first step. You are in the perfect place, where our fertility team will guide you through every step of the way, up to your Graduation Day! Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
