“Do I Need Therapy?”

We are huge advocates of making sure everyone is mindful of their own mental health. We’ve spent a lot of time discussing many different aspects of this, touching on topics like support groups, medication, setting boundaries, toxic positivity, self care, etc.

But one of the questions we frequently get is whether xxxxx condition or situation means that therapy is needed. Many think that having any kind of a loss or fertility challenge will cause them spiral downward and they want to do everything they can to prevent it.

And they should!

But that doesn’t mean that everyone needs to seek out clinical help. Certainly those who are predisposed to mental health difficulties should talk new life challenges over with their doctors and make the decision that’s right for them. We do know that grief and heartache can make any underlying condition worse, so it is important to address that proactively.

👉🏻But for everyone else there is really no clear cut answer. Therapy should be a space safe to be able to talk about your experiences and feelings, and some people get that support from others in their lives. It also can be a place to dissect how certain challenges can be handled differently from the lens of someone who is trained in fertility, and that kind of support is very different from your friend who brings chocolate, wine and a huge box of tissues.

Either way, there is no wrong answer here. You can decide to try it alone, and only start if you are not feeling the support you need. You can work with someone for a few sessions and stop, or stay with them longer. You are the true judge of what you need.

👉🏻One caveat: Sometimes we are not the best judge of what we need. It takes a person outside of ourselves to see that we are drowning. Have a person like that in your life and listen if they are worried about your mental health. Because pain and grief can cloud your perception of how your are managing, so it’s always good to have someone who can be objective.❤️