A support group can be most beneficial at certain points of the infertility experience:
- When faced with making a difficult decision
- When embarking on new parenting options
- When dealing with a major loss
If any of the following statements apply to you, consider joining a support group:
- I’m feeling lonely and isolated
- I have very few people to talk with about my infertility. No one understands
- Everyone I know is pregnant or has children
- My partner is the only one I have who provides emotional support
- Infertility is affecting my work and career
- I feel that my life plan is out of control. I’m having trouble navigating through my medical treatment options
- I can’t decide when “enough is enough”
- Holidays and coping with family and friends is becoming more and more difficult.
Myths and Facts
You may hesitate to join a support group because of some assumptions about what happens at the group. Consider these myths and facts:
Myth: Being in a support group is like going to therapy.
Fact: A support group is not designed to offer professional counseling or psychological therapy. It is, however, therapeutic to talk with others about an intense experience like infertility.
Myth: I’ll have to bare my soul and talk about the most private areas of my life.
Fact: It is up to you to decide how much information and emotion to share with the group. You remain in control.
Myth: Joining a support group of infertile women or couples will just make me feel worse.
Fact: You will receive support for your pain and disappointment and will also learn new methods of coping that can help you move forward.
– Content curtesy of Resolve
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