A baby shower invitation arrives in the mail. A well-meaning relative asks when you’re going to have kids. A scroll through social media feels like a minefield of pregnancy announcements. When you’re going through fertility treatment, these everyday moments can feel like a gut punch. Protecting your emotional well-being becomes a top priority, and setting boundaries is a key part of that. Learning how to say “no” and manage uncomfortable conversations is a vital skill for coping with infertility. This guide offers practical scripts and strategies for navigating these tricky social situations, helping you preserve your energy for what truly matters: your health, your partnership, and your own journey.

Key Takeaways

• Your emotional health is a top priority: Acknowledge that the stress and grief of infertility are real, and build a personal toolkit of coping strategies—from journaling to therapy—to manage the emotional side of treatment.
• Take control by setting healthy boundaries: It's essential to protect your energy, which means you have permission to say "no" to events, limit conversations about treatment, and decide how and when you share your story.
• You don't have to go through this alone: Strengthen your partnership through open communication about your needs and find your community in support groups or online forums where you can connect with people who truly understand.

The Emotional Side of Infertility: What to Expect

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the emotional ups and downs of trying to conceive, you’re not alone. The journey can feel like a full-time job, and the stress is real—some studies have even compared it to the stress of a cancer diagnosis. It’s a constant cycle of hope and disappointment that can take a serious toll. Understanding the emotional side of this process is the first step toward protecting your mental health and finding ways to cope. It’s okay to feel everything you’re feeling, and there are ways to manage the emotional weight of it all.

Common Feelings You Might Have

It’s completely normal to feel sad, angry, anxious, or just plain frustrated when you’re dealing with infertility. These feelings can be intense and might pop up when you least expect them—like after a negative pregnancy test or seeing another birth announcement on social media. Don’t feel guilty for having these emotions. You’re going through something incredibly difficult, and your feelings are a valid response to a painful situation. Acknowledging what you’re feeling, without judgment, is a powerful way to start processing the experience. You can find helpful coping techniques to manage these feelings as they come.

Grieving a Different Path to Parenthood

Many of us grow up with a specific picture of how we’ll build our families. When that path doesn’t go as planned, it’s natural to feel a sense of loss. This is a form of grief—grieving the future you imagined. This feeling can be a real emotional roller coaster, swinging from hope one day to deep sadness the next, especially if a treatment cycle doesn’t work. This grief is unique because it’s for something you haven’t lost but desperately want. Allowing yourself to feel this sadness is part of the process. It doesn’t mean you’re giving up hope; it just means you’re honoring the difficulty of the journey you’re on.

How Stress Can Affect Your Body

The emotional stress of infertility isn’t just in your head; it can have real physical effects. Chronic stress can disrupt your hormones, mess with your sleep, and leave you feeling completely drained. The longer you’re on this journey, the more the stress can build up, creating a cycle where emotional strain impacts your physical well-being, and vice versa. Recognizing how mental health and infertility are connected is key. Finding small ways to lower your stress—whether it’s through a walk, deep breathing, or just watching a funny movie—can make a big difference for both your mind and body.

How to Cope with Infertility Stress

Going through fertility treatment is more than a series of appointments and procedures; it’s an emotional marathon. The cycle of waiting, hoping, and processing results can be incredibly taxing. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or even angry. These feelings are valid, and you don’t have to pretend you’re fine when you’re not. The key isn’t to eliminate stress—that’s an impossible task—but to find healthy ways to manage it. Building a toolkit of coping strategies can help you protect your peace and feel more in control during a time when so much is out of your hands.

Think of these strategies as anchors that can keep you grounded when the emotional waves feel overwhelming. What works one day might not work the next, and what helps you might be different from what helps your partner or a friend. The goal is to experiment and find a few reliable practices that feel genuinely supportive to you. It’s about carving out moments of calm and reminding yourself that your well-being matters just as much as any treatment outcome. Below are a few practical, gentle ways to start taking care of your emotional health right now.

Try Mindfulness and Meditation

When your mind is racing with what-ifs, mindfulness can help bring you back to the present moment. It’s simply the practice of paying attention to what’s happening right now, without judgment. You don’t need to sit in silence for an hour to get the benefits. Start with just five minutes. You can focus on your breath, noticing the sensation of air filling your lungs and then leaving your body. Guided meditation apps like Calm or Headspace are fantastic resources for beginners. Or, you could try a more active practice like yoga, which helps connect your mind and body through movement and breath, offering a gentle way to release physical and emotional tension.

Write It Out: The Power of Journaling

Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is get your feelings out of your head and onto paper. Journaling provides a private, judgment-free space to process everything you’re going through—the good, the bad, and the complicated. There are no rules here. You can write in full sentences, make bulleted lists of your worries, or just scribble down whatever comes to mind. If you’re not sure where to start, try a simple prompt like, “What’s weighing on me today?” or “What is one thing I can control right now?” This practice can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety and helping you make sense of your experience.

How to Set Healthy Boundaries

Protecting your emotional energy is crucial, and that often means setting boundaries with well-meaning friends and family. A boundary isn’t about pushing people away; it’s about creating the space you need to get through this journey on your own terms. This might look like telling a friend, “I appreciate you checking in, but I’m not up for talking about treatment today. Can we chat about something else?” It could also mean politely declining a baby shower invitation or unfollowing social media accounts that feel triggering. Learning how to set boundaries is an act of self-compassion that allows you to preserve your mental health when you need it most.

Self-Care That Actually Works

Self-care during infertility isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks—it’s about meeting your fundamental needs. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating nourishing foods that make you feel good? Are you moving your body in a way that feels restorative, not punishing? Make time for small things you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s taking a walk while listening to a podcast, reading a chapter of a book, or rewatching your favorite movie. These moments help you reconnect with the parts of yourself that exist outside of your fertility journey. Prioritizing these simple acts of self-care can make a huge difference in your overall resilience.

How to Communicate Better During Treatment

Fertility treatment can feel like it takes over your entire life, and by extension, your relationship. It’s a topic that’s always there, whether you’re talking about appointments, medications, or just how you’re feeling. Suddenly, your shared calendar is less about date nights and more about blood draws, and whispered conversations are about hormone levels instead of future dreams. It’s a heavy load for any partnership to carry.

Finding ways to talk openly while also protecting your connection as a couple is a huge part of getting through it. It’s about creating space for the hard stuff without letting it become the only thing you share. Good communication won’t solve everything, and it doesn’t mean you’ll never disagree or feel distant. But it can give you the tools to find your way back to each other and remember that you’re on the same team, facing whatever comes your way together. These strategies can help you keep the lines of communication open and preserve the relationship that is at the heart of your journey.

How to Talk About the Hard Stuff

When you’re going through treatment, it’s easy for every conversation to circle back to infertility. To keep it from taking over, you might try setting some gentle limits. Some couples find success with a "Twenty Minute Rule," where you agree to talk about treatment-related topics for a set amount of time each day. This gives you a dedicated space to check in on feelings, logistics, and worries without letting the conversation spill into every moment. It ensures you both get to share what’s on your mind while also making room for the other parts of your life and relationship that you love—the parts that existed long before treatment began.

What to Do When You Cope Differently

It’s completely normal if you and your partner process stress and grief in different ways. One of you might want to talk everything through, while the other might need space to process internally. The key isn’t to make your partner feel the same way you do, but to be honest about your own feelings and respect theirs. Acknowledging that you have different coping styles can prevent a lot of misunderstandings. The goal is to stay united and support each other, even if that support looks different from one day to the next. Just knowing you’re in it together can make all the difference.

When to Stop Talking About Treatment

Protecting your peace sometimes means setting boundaries with friends and family. While most people mean well, their questions or comments can sometimes be hurtful. It is absolutely okay to decide who you talk to about your treatment and how much you share. If certain conversations or people are draining your energy, you have permission to limit that contact for a while. This also applies to situations that feel overwhelming, like baby showers or kids' birthday parties. You don't have to go. Choosing to protect your emotional well-being isn't selfish; it's a necessary part of self-care during a challenging time.

Should You Consider Couples Counseling?

If you’re finding it hard to talk through big decisions or feel like you’re not on the same page, couples counseling can be an incredible resource. A therapist, especially one who specializes in infertility, can provide a safe, neutral space to work through tough conversations and give you tools for healthier communication. It’s not a sign of failure; it’s a proactive step to strengthen your relationship when you’re under an immense amount of stress. Seeking professional guidance can help you feel more connected and better equipped to handle the journey ahead as a team.

Lifestyle Tips for Your Mind and Body

Going through fertility treatment can feel like a full-time job, and it’s easy to let your own well-being slide down the priority list. But taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do. Your daily habits—what you eat, how you move, and how you rest—play a huge role in how you feel both physically and emotionally. Think of these tips not as strict rules, but as gentle ways to support your body and mind through a demanding process.

Foods That Support Your Mood and Fertility

What you eat can have a real impact on your mood and your reproductive health. You don’t need a complete diet overhaul, but focusing on balanced, nutrient-rich meals can make a difference. Many experts suggest a Mediterranean-style diet, which is full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It’s less about restriction and more about adding in foods that are good for you. Simple swaps, like choosing whole-wheat bread over white or adding a side of leafy greens to your dinner, can help support your body’s needs during treatment. The goal is to nourish yourself, not to add another source of stress to your plate.

Move Your Body to Clear Your Mind

When your mind is racing, sometimes the best thing you can do is move your body. Regular, moderate exercise is a great way to manage stress, but it’s important to find a balance. This isn’t the time to train for a marathon. Instead, focus on activities you genuinely enjoy, like taking a daily walk, gentle yoga, or swimming. These kinds of movements can help clear your head and release tension without putting too much strain on your body. Too much intense exercise can sometimes interfere with fertility, so listen to your body and give it the gentle care it needs right now.

How to Get Better Sleep During Treatment

Sleep is crucial when you’re going through fertility treatments like IVF. It’s when your body rests, repairs, and, importantly, keeps your reproductive hormones in balance. But getting good sleep when you’re feeling anxious can be tough. Try to create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. This could mean turning off screens an hour before bed, reading a book, taking a warm bath, or doing a few light stretches. Making your bedroom a calm, dark, and cool space can also help you get the restorative rest you need to face whatever comes next.

What to Limit or Avoid

Making a few lifestyle adjustments can help create a healthier environment for conception. It’s a good idea to cut back on alcohol and quit smoking, as both can negatively affect fertility for you and your partner. The same goes for recreational drugs. Many doctors also recommend limiting your caffeine intake to one or two cups of coffee per day. While it can feel like you’re giving up a lot, try to frame it as a temporary change you’re making to give yourself the best possible chance. It’s one of the few things you can actively control during a process where so much feels out of your hands.

How to Build Your Support System

Going through fertility treatment can feel incredibly isolating, but you don’t have to carry the weight of it by yourself. Building a support system is one of the most important things you can do to protect your mental and emotional health. Your circle might include your partner, a few close friends, family members, a therapist, or even strangers on the internet who just get it. The key is to be intentional about who you let in. You are in complete control of who you share your story with and what kind of support you ask for in return.

Sometimes you just need a friend to listen without offering advice, and other times you need to connect with someone who has walked this exact path. Finding the right mix of support can make you feel seen, understood, and a lot less alone on this journey. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who can hold space for your feelings, celebrate the small wins, and sit with you during the hard moments. This isn't about building a huge army of supporters; it's about finding a few key people who make you feel safe and understood, no matter what the outcome of a cycle might be.

Find Your People in Support Groups

There’s a unique comfort in talking to people who are in the thick of it, just like you. Support groups offer a space where you don’t have to explain the acronyms or pretend you’re okay when you’re not. It’s a judgment-free zone to share your fears, frustrations, and small wins with people who understand the emotional rollercoaster of treatment. Organizations like RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association offer free, peer-led support groups across the country, both in-person and online. Finding your people can be a powerful reminder that you’re part of a community.

Where to Find Support Online

If in-person meetings aren’t your thing, the internet can be an incredible resource. Online communities offer anonymity and 24/7 access to support, which can be a lifesaver after a late-night worry spiral or a tough appointment. Reddit has several active and supportive communities, like r/IVF and r/infertility, where you can ask questions and share experiences. There are also countless private Facebook groups and forums dedicated to specific fertility journeys. These digital spaces can help you feel connected and provide practical advice from people who have been there.

When to Talk to a Professional

While friends and support groups are amazing, sometimes you need a different kind of help. If you feel like you’re constantly overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling to cope, talking to a professional can make a world of difference. A therapist, especially one who specializes in fertility, can give you unbiased support and teach you concrete strategies for managing stress and grief. They can provide a confidential space to process everything you’re going through without worrying about anyone else’s feelings. Your fertility clinic can often recommend a counselor who has experience with their patients.

How to Tell Friends and Family

Deciding who to tell about your treatment—and how much to share—is a completely personal choice. You are in control of your story. When you do decide to open up, it can be helpful to educate your loved ones on what you’re going through and what kind of support you actually need. You might say, “I’d love it if you could just listen without offering advice,” or “It would mean a lot if you could check in on me after my appointments.” Open communication can help manage expectations and ensure you get the support you need instead of unsolicited opinions.

How to Handle Social Events and Family Pressure

When you’re going through fertility treatment, it can feel like the world is full of baby showers, pregnancy announcements, and questions about when you’re going to have kids. Navigating holidays, family dinners, and even a casual scroll through social media can be incredibly draining. There’s a unique kind of pain in trying to celebrate someone else’s joy when you’re quietly grieving your own. This internal conflict—wanting to be a good friend or family member while also needing to protect your heart—is exhausting.

It’s important to remember that protecting your peace is not selfish; it’s a necessary part of getting through this. You are allowed to set boundaries, say no to events that feel too painful, and prioritize your well-being, even if it means disappointing someone. Think of it as building a protective bubble around your emotional health. You get to decide who and what gets to come inside. The following tips are practical tools to help you manage the pressure from the outside world, so you can preserve your energy for what matters most: your health, your partnership, and your journey.

Your Guide to Answering Uncomfortable Questions

Well-meaning friends and family can sometimes ask the most painful questions. It can be helpful to have a few responses ready so you’re not caught off guard. Remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation, but sometimes sharing a little can help them understand. Educating your loved ones can make you feel less alone, but only if you have the emotional bandwidth for it.

Here are a few ways to handle those awkward questions:

• Q: “When are you two going to have kids?”
  • How you might answer it: “We’ll see what the future holds! Right now, we’re just enjoying our time together. How’s that new puppy of yours?”
• Q: “Have you tried just relaxing? It’ll happen when you stop trying so hard.”
  • How you might answer it: “That’s a common myth, but infertility is a medical condition. We’re working with great doctors and are feeling really hopeful.”
• Q: “Is there something wrong with one of you?”
  • How you might answer it: “That’s really personal, and we’re not comfortable discussing the details. We’d appreciate your support, though.”

How to Protect Your Peace with Loved Ones

Infertility can put a strain on your most important relationships, especially with your partner. It’s easy for treatment to become the only thing you talk about. To keep your connection strong, it can be helpful to set some ground rules. Some couples use the “Twenty Minute Rule,” where you can talk about infertility for 20 minutes each day, and then you have to switch topics. This ensures you’re both staying connected on the issue without letting it take over your entire relationship. It’s also okay to tell friends and family that you need a break from talking about treatment and just want to have a normal conversation.

Navigating Baby Showers and Pregnancy Announcements

Seeing a pregnancy announcement or getting a baby shower invitation can feel like a gut punch. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions—happiness for your friend, but also sadness, jealousy, or anger for yourself. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up without judgment.

It is absolutely okay to prioritize your mental health and decline an invitation. You can send a gift and a heartfelt note without putting yourself through an event that feels too painful. On social media, the mute button is your best friend. You can temporarily hide posts from friends who are pregnant to give yourself some space without unfollowing them completely.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Energy

Your emotional energy is a finite resource, and fertility treatment can take a lot out of you. Finding small ways to recharge is crucial. This isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about integrating small moments of peace into your day. Try to make time for yourself to do things that have nothing to do with making a baby. Go for a walk and listen to a podcast, read a chapter of a book, or try a five-minute meditation. It’s also powerful to simply say “no” to plans or requests that feel like too much. Protecting your energy means you’ll have more of it for what truly matters: taking care of yourself and your partner.

What to Do When Treatment Doesn't Work

When a treatment cycle doesn't work, it can feel absolutely devastating. After all the appointments, injections, and emotional energy you’ve invested, getting a negative result is a profound loss. It’s okay to feel angry, sad, confused, or just completely numb. There’s no right or wrong way to react, and it’s important to give yourself the space to grieve the future you were hoping for.

This experience is a unique kind of grief, and it can be hard for others to understand. As you process what happened, you and your partner will also need to think about what comes next. This might feel overwhelming right now, but you don’t have to have all the answers at once. The goal is to take it one step at a time, communicate openly, and make decisions that feel right for you. Remember, you are in control of your journey, and it’s okay to pause, pivot, or ask for help whenever you need it.

How to Process a Failed Cycle

First, let yourself feel whatever you’re feeling. It’s completely normal to experience deep sadness and a sense of loss when a treatment cycle fails. This isn’t just a disappointment; it’s the loss of a specific hope and a future you’ve been picturing. Don’t rush the grieving process or let anyone tell you to “just be positive.” Your feelings are valid.

Give yourself permission to step back from things that are too painful right now, whether that’s a friend’s baby shower or certain social media accounts. Taking time for yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary. Mental health support can be incredibly helpful during this time, connecting you with professionals and peers who truly understand what you’re going through.

Deciding What's Next as a Couple

This is a time to lean on each other, but it’s also a time when communication can get tricky. You and your partner might process the news differently, and that’s okay. One of you might want to talk it out immediately, while the other needs quiet time to think. The key is to be honest about your feelings and respect each other’s coping styles.

Try to set aside some time to talk when you’re both calm and can focus without distractions. Discuss how you’re both feeling before jumping into decisions about next steps. It can be helpful to talk about your limits—emotionally, physically, and financially—to make sure you’re on the same page. Staying united and supporting each other is the most important thing you can do right now.

Finding Hope After a Setback

Finding hope after a setback doesn’t mean ignoring your pain. It’s about finding a way to move forward. It’s okay to be realistic while still holding onto hope for the future. A good first step is to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor. This conversation can help you understand what might have happened during the cycle and what you can do to improve your chances next time.

Hope can also come from reconnecting with the parts of your life that bring you joy outside of treatment. It’s also about remembering that help is available. Getting support can make you feel stronger and better prepared for whatever comes next, whether that’s another round of IVF or a different path entirely.

Exploring Your Options Moving Forward

When you feel ready, you can start to explore your options. This doesn’t mean you have to make a decision right away. It’s simply about gathering information so you can choose the path that feels best for you. Your options might include trying another cycle with a modified protocol, exploring other treatments like IUI, or considering third-party reproduction.

It’s also completely valid to take a break from treatment or decide to stop. This is your journey, and you get to decide when and how it continues. Have an open conversation with your fertility doctor at one of our partner clinics about your feelings and questions. They can provide medical guidance, but ultimately, the decision about what to do next is yours alone.

Where to Find Professional Mental Health Support

Sometimes, self-care and leaning on your support system aren't quite enough, and that’s completely okay. Reaching out for professional help is a sign of strength. It means you’re taking your mental well-being seriously, which is just as important as your physical health during treatment. A therapist or counselor can give you a dedicated space and specialized tools to process the complex emotions that come with infertility, helping you develop coping strategies that can make a real difference.

Therapy That Can Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, know that you don’t have to just push through it. Talk therapy is a proven way to manage these feelings. A therapist can provide a safe, confidential space to unpack everything you’re going through without judgment. They can help you identify negative thought patterns, manage stress, and improve communication with your partner. Think of it as having an unbiased expert in your corner, dedicated to helping you handle the emotional side of your fertility journey. It’s a powerful tool for protecting your peace when things feel out of your control.

How to Find a Fertility Counselor

Finding the right therapist is key. Look for a mental health professional who specializes in fertility, family building, or reproductive health. These counselors understand the specific language and emotional challenges of treatment, so you won’t have to waste time explaining the basics. You can find fertility counselors through organizations like RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Therapy can be done alone, with a partner, or in a group setting. Group therapy can be especially powerful because it connects you with others who truly get what you’re going through, reminding you that you aren’t alone in this experience.

Is Medication an Option?

For some people, medication can be a helpful part of a mental health care plan. Antidepressants are often used to help with both depression and anxiety, and many are considered safe to take while you’re trying to conceive or during pregnancy. This isn’t a decision to make on your own, of course. It’s a conversation to have with your doctor, who can walk you through the benefits and risks based on your specific health history. There is no shame in needing medication to feel like yourself again—it’s just another tool to support your well-being.

Talking to Your Doctor About Mental Health

Bringing up your mental health with your doctor is a crucial first step. It’s best to have this conversation before you even start treatment, especially if you already have a history of anxiety or depression. Your fertility doctor needs the full picture of your health to provide the best care. Be honest about how you’re feeling.

Try this: “I’ve been feeling really anxious about this process, and I’m worried about how it will affect my mental health. Can we talk about resources or support options?” If you feel like you need more specialized guidance, don’t hesitate to ask for a referral to a therapist.

Finding Yourself Again

When you’re going through fertility treatment, it’s easy to feel like your entire life has been taken over. Your calendar is full of appointments, your body doesn’t always feel like your own, and your mind is constantly racing. It can feel like the person you were before all this started has faded into the background. But that person is still there.

Finding your way back to yourself isn’t about pretending treatment isn’t happening. It’s about carving out space for the other parts of your identity to breathe. It’s about remembering the things that light you up, exploring all the different shapes a family can take, and finding moments of peace and joy, even when things feel hard. This is your permission slip to put the fertility journey on pause, even for just a little while, and reconnect with you.

Remembering Who You Are Outside of Treatment

Think back to what you loved to do before your world started revolving around ovulation tracking and medication schedules. Was it hiking, painting, trying new restaurants, or getting lost in a good book? Make a little time for that again. Engaging in hobbies that have nothing to do with building a family can be a powerful reminder that you are a whole, multifaceted person outside of this journey. It’s not about being frivolous; it’s about restoring your sense of self. Reconnecting with your passions can help you feel more grounded and in control, which is something we all need during a process with so many unknowns.

Exploring Other Ways to Build a Family

Sometimes, the most empowering thing you can do is look at the big picture. If you’re open to it, take some time to learn about other paths to parenthood. This could mean exploring the possibility of using donor eggs or sperm, looking into surrogacy, or researching adoption. Talking about these options with your partner doesn’t mean you’re giving up on your current treatment plan. Instead, it can create a sense of hope and security, knowing that there are many different ways to build the family you’re dreaming of. It’s about expanding your definition of what’s possible and creating a roadmap with more than one destination.

How to Find Joy in the Meantime

Don’t let your fertility journey put your life on hold. Finding joy isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about noticing the small, good things that happen every day. This is your chance to practice some real, meaningful self-care. Maybe that means taking a weekly yoga class, volunteering for a cause you care about, or just spending an afternoon in nature without your phone. These activities can help you feel balanced and calm, offering a much-needed break from the stress of treatment. The goal is to fill your life with healthy, positive experiences that aren’t centered on having a baby, helping you maintain a sense of normalcy and peace.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for my partner and me to be handling this so differently? Yes, it’s completely normal. People process stress, grief, and uncertainty in their own ways. One of you might want to talk through every detail, while the other might need quiet time to think. The goal isn’t to force yourselves to feel the same things at the same time, but to respect each other’s coping styles. Being open about what you need and making space for your partner’s needs is key to staying connected as a team.

I feel so guilty for being sad or jealous about a friend's pregnancy. How do I deal with that? First, please let go of the guilt. Your feelings are a valid and understandable reaction to a painful situation. It is absolutely possible to be happy for your friend while also feeling deep sadness for yourself. Acknowledging the feeling without judging it is the first step. It might also be a signal that you need to protect your heart for a bit, which could mean muting someone on social media or politely declining a baby shower invitation.

How do I know if I need professional help versus just leaning on my friends? Friends are an incredible support, but if you feel like your sadness or anxiety is constant and getting in the way of your daily life, it might be time to talk to a professional. A therapist who specializes in fertility can offer specific tools and a safe, unbiased space to process everything. Think of it as adding an expert to your support team—it doesn’t replace your friends, it just gives you another kind of support.

Will all this stress actually prevent me from getting pregnant? This is a huge source of anxiety, and the "just relax" advice is incredibly unhelpful. While chronic stress isn't great for your overall health, everyday stress is not the cause of infertility, which is a medical condition. Focusing on stress-management techniques is about helping you feel better and more in control during a difficult process, not because your stress is to blame for the outcome.

I feel like I've lost myself in this process. How do I start feeling normal again? It’s so easy to feel that way when treatment takes over your calendar and your thoughts. A good first step is to intentionally make time for something you loved to do before this journey began, even if it's just for 30 minutes a week. Reconnecting with a hobby, a place, or a friend that has nothing to do with making a baby can be a powerful reminder that you are still a whole person outside of this experience.