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Walking Through Infertility: A Compassionate Guide to Emotional Wellbeing

Infertility can be one of the most emotionally charged times in a person’s or couple’s life. It often comes along with big and painful emotions. Thus, it is incredibly important to figure out what works best for you in coping with these feelings. Below are some avenues for coping and support when experiencing infertility.



  1. Feel your feelings: It’s okay to be angry. It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to be frustrated. It’s okay to feel all of your feelings. Give yourself permission to feel all the things. Don’t try to push them down or ignore them. Look for outlets to process them instead: journaling, therapy, support groups. (More on those later)


  1. Set boundaries: It’s okay to turn down invitations to events, especially those that involve pregnancy and/or young children. Although supporting your friends and family is important, it’s even more important to know when you have the capacity to celebrate and when you don’t.


  1. Practice self care: What can you do that makes you feel like yourself? That makes you forget the treatments, the doctor’s appointments, the tests? Whether it be reading a book, going on a walk, or getting coffee with a friend who just gets it, all self care is good self care. Take time to intentionally care for yourself and be gentle with yourself. Especially when you don’t feel like it: that’s often when you need it the most!!


  1. Lean on your support system (and tell them what you need): Your support system may be one of your greatest outlets during this time. Being able to open up to your people and lean on them is likely to help make you feel less alone. Tell them what you need: some days we want to avoid the topic entirely and some days it’s all we want to talk about. It’s okay for your desires and needs to change depending on the day. 



  1. Focus on what you can control: Do research on your treatments. Make lifestyle changes. Explore alternative pathways to parenthood. Taking steps like these that focus on what you can do, no matter how big or small, will help you to feel strong and empowered.


  1. Look into outside support: Sometimes, we can’t do it all on our own, and that’s okay. There are a variety of support groups available for coping with infertility, such as those from Postpartum Support International, All Paths Family Building, and Resolve. There are many different support group options available. Sometimes, support groups aren’t enough. Professional, individual support may be necessary. The Life Workshop has many clinicians who are formally trained in working with those experiencing infertility. Reach out today for a free consultation. 


  1. Explore alternative options to parenthood – If it feels right: For some folks, exploring adoption, surrogacy, and more may feel like the next step. For others, it may not. Take solace in the fact that any decision you make is the right one for you and your family. 



References

PFCLA. (2026, February 5). Practical Ways to Cope with Infertility While Pursuing Parenthood. 

How to Cope with Infertility When Everyone is Pregnant – Carolinas Fertility Institute. (2024). 


 
 
 

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